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FOUK BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


BOOKS BY EVERETT T. TOMLINSON. 

St. Lawrence Series. 

Three Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price $1.50 each. 
CAMPING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE. 

THE HOUSE-BOAT ON THE ST. LAWRENCE. 
CRUISING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE. 

The War of 1812 Series. 

Six Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.25. 
THE SEARCH FOR ANDREW FIELD. 

THE BOY SOLDIERS OF 1812. 

THE BOY OFFICERS OF 1812. 

TECUMSEH’S YOUNG BRAVES. 

GUARDING THE BORDER. 

THE BOYS WITH OLD HICKORY. 

Our Own Land Series. 

Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.50. 

FOUR BOYS IN THE YELLOWSTONE. 

FOUR BOYS IN THE LAND OF COTTON. 

FOUR BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI. 

War for the Union Series. 

Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, $1.50. 

FOR THE STARS AND STRIPES. 

Stories of the American Revolution. 

First and Second Series. Cloth. Illustrated. $1.00 each. 


*** For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price 
by the Publishers, 

Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., Boston. 





All four took their places in the waiting automobile. — Page 327. 




FOUE BOYS AND A FOETUNE 


WHY THEY WENT TO ENGLAND, 
AND WHAT THEY FOUND 


BY 

EVERETT T. TOMLINSON 

tt 

AUTHOR OF “THE BOY SOLDIERS OF 1812,” “CAMPING ON THE 
ST. LAWRENCE,” “FOUR BOYS IN THE YELLOWSTONE,” 
“for the STARS AND STRIPES,” “THE CAMP- 
FIRE OF MAD ANTHONY,” ETC., ETC. 


ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE A. NEWMAN 



BOSTON 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. 


Published, March, 1910 



Copyright, 1909, by A. J. Rowland, as a serial entitled, 
The Fortune of Lee Harris 

Copyright, 1910, by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. 

A// rights reserved 

Four Boys and 'a Fortune 


« « 


'norwoob f>re00 
Berwick & Smith Co. 
Norwood, Mass. 

U. S. A. 


©CI,A259921 


PREFACE 


Primabily this is not a book of travels, but a 
story. The setting of the tale is in a land which 
must ever he of special interest to young Amer- 
icans. The laws and life of America are based 
largely upon the civilization of England, the 
land which Hawthorne aptly termed our old 
Home.” 

There are many excellent teachers of English 
who maintain that the mother tongue is more 
clearly understood after some other language 
also has been studied. Similarly, there are 
those who believe that there is no proper ap- 
preciation of our native land until that land 
has been seen in the light of its contrasts and 
comparison with some other country. At all 
events, most are agreed that there is no better 
instructor than travel. 

The foundation of this story rests upon fact. 
Self-reliance, in the conception of many, is a 
trait not lacking in American boys. In its 
best form, however, this quality is developed 
only by experience. The Four Boys,” like 


VI 


PREFACE 


many others, learn from their own mistakes. 
Thrown upon their own resources, they learn by 
compulsion the solution of many perplexing 
problems. The adventures and exploits of the 
boy travelers are not unnatural. It is to be 
hoped that the lessons they learned, the experi- 
ences that were theirs, as well as the sights they 
saw, may not be without interest and profit to 
the readers of this story. 

Everett T. Tomlinson. 

Elizabeth, New Jersey. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 

I. 

Four Friends . 





PAGE 

1 

II. 

The Departure 





13 

III. 

ScoTT^s Condescension . 





26 

IV. 

A Tournament 





37 

V. 

The Finals 





49 

VI. 

Larcum’s Perplexity 





61 

VII. 

A Missing Member 





73 

VIII. 

Johnny Cope^^ 





85 

IX. 

A Face in the Throng . 





96 

X. 

Novel Sights . 





108 

XI. 

A Puzzling Name . 





120 

XII. 

A Problem 





131 

XIII. 

A Lesson .... 





142 

XIV. 

Seeking Aid 





154 

XV. 

The Major’s Suggestions 





165 

XVI. 

Old and New . 





177 

XVII. 

A Train eor the North 





188 

XVIII. 

Stranded .... 





199 

XIX. 

Larcum Brown at Rugby 





210 

XX. 

A Surprise 





222 

XXI. 

An Interview . 





233 

XXII. 

Baffled .... 





244 


vii 


CONTENTS 


viii 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XXIII. North or South? 255 

XXIV. Classic Shades 267 

XXV. A Bump Race 279 

XXVI. Suffragettes 291 

XXVII. Busy Times and Places .... 303 

XXVIII. Startling Information .... 314 

XXIX. Prepared for War 325 

XXX. Valuations 336 

XXXI. The Arrival 347 

XXXII. Conclusion . 359 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


All four took their places in the waiting auto- 
mobile (Page 327) Frontispiece 

FACING 

FAGB 

The young giant made his shots without any 

APPARENT EFFORT 34^ 

Scott was excitedly talking to Mary Goodman . 50 

“Who was Nelson?” inquired Larcum . . . 146 

“ Quite so,” said the guide, blankly .... 176 ^ 

The very man for whom he was searching . . 198'^ 

“Harris Lee,” repeated the major .... 258'^ 

“And is your missing friend also due on her?” . 348* 



FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 

CHAPTER I 

FOUR FRIENDS 

‘ ^ Tell us all about it, Lee ! ’ ’ exclaimed Scott 
Gordon eagerly. 

I don’t know that there is very much to 
tell,” replied Lee. 

‘‘ There must be something, anyway. Here 
you have us all excited. We have our passage 
engaged to-morrow on the Celtic , and we are 
leaving ‘ home, kindred, and native land,’ just 
because of your sudden start. We want to 
know what it all means.” 

I’ll impart my full knowledge,” laughed 
Lee. ^ ‘ Ten days ago my father received a let- 
ter from an English lawyer ” 

Barrister, you mean, Lee,” interrupted 
John Field. 

Oh, I do, do I? Well, then, my father re- 
ceived a letter from an English barrister about 
ten days or two weeks ago, informing him that 


2 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


he was to have a regular income of seventy-five 
hundred dollars a year/’ 

Who was to have it? Your father or the 
barrister? ” inquired John. 

‘‘Now isn’t that a question that shows Jack 
is a Bostonian? ” retorted Lee with a laugh. 
“ What do you think an English lawyer would 
write for, if the money was not to be paid my 
father? ” 

“ One could not tell from your language 
which was to be the recipient of the princely 
sum. How often must I urge you to be more 
accurate in your use of the English language? ” 
demanded John soberly. 

“ Keep still, Jack! I know it’s hard for you 
to have any other fellow do the talking; but 
try it a minute. Lee has the floor,” said 
Scott. 

“ This income,” resumed Lee, “ is from coal 
mines that have recently been located on 
lands in Yorkshire that once belonged to our 
family.” 

“ ‘ Once belonged ’? Don’t they belong now? 
If they don’t, I can’t see why the aforesaid 
barrister communicates with you,” suggested 
Scott. 

“ Just take you own medicine, Scott,” said 


FOUR FRIENDS 


3 


John. Try keeping still a minute and let our 
friend proceed without interruption.^’ 

‘‘ The lands were sold by one of my great- 
grandfathers — my grandfathers were all 
* great,’ I’d have you know,” laughed Lee. It 
seems that when the sale was made, it was 
specifically stated that it referred only to the 
surface of the land. If discoveries were after- 
ward made, and valuable minerals were found 
under the ground, then they were to be reserved 
for the family. That’s what, and that’s why, 
and that’s all I know about it. This lawyer — 
barrister, I mean,” added Lee as he glanced at 
John, ‘‘ writes that coal has been found, the 
mines are already being worked, and out of the 
income seventy-five hundred dollars is to come 
to us.” 

‘‘ That grandfather of yours was all right, 
Lee,” declared John. ‘‘ I have always heard 
that a Yorkshire man could beat the world at 
a bargain. I have heard, too, that he is called 
a ‘ Yorkshirbite ’ by the people who have any 
dealings with him. An Englishman was telling 
me only the other day that on the Yorkshire 
shield there is a fiy that typifies the willingness 
of the Yorkshireman to drink anything, any- 
where, as long as he doesn’t have to pay for it; 


4 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the flea on the shield signifles that the man 
from that part of England is willing to bite 
anything 

“ Keep your learned disquisitions for those 
who are interested,’’ broke in Scott. What 
I want to know now is whether or not Lee thinks 
there is anything in the word of the lawyer. 
How is it? ” 

I don’t know. My father thinks there is, 
or at least may be, and that is his reason for 
sending me to England this summer. I don’t 
object to the trip, especially since you two and 
Larcum are to go with me. ’ ’ 

What is the latest word from Larcum? ” 
inquired John. 

‘ ‘ The latest is this telegram which came just 
before you did, ’ ’ replied Scott. Taking the yel- 
low envelope from his pocket, he drew out the 
slip and read aloud: Don’t worry. Smile. 
I’ll be with you on the Celtic.’’ 

‘‘ Where was it sent? ” asked Lee. 

From Chicago.” 

“ If he loses a train or has an accident, he 
will be left,” said John. 

‘‘ Correct,” said Scott lightly. ‘‘ What 
makes you always look on that side. Jack? Did 
you ever hear of little Larkie being left? ” 


FOUR FRIENDS 


5 


‘‘No; but he comes as near to it as he is 
able/^ 

“ As long as he isn’t, that’s all we want. 
Larc’ll be here to-morrow morning, and he’ll 
be on the boat when she pulls out of the 
slip.” 

“ Lret us hope so,” remarked John fervently. 

The three friends were seated in the library 
in the home of Scott Gordon. Two years be- 
fore this time they and their friend Larcum 
Brown had graduated from one of the leading 
preparatory schools of New England. Larcum, 
a powerful young giant, had been famous for 
his success on the school football team. John 
Adams Field, Jr., of Boston, quiet and self- 
confident, had easily led the class in scholarship 
and, after they had entered college, had still 
been prominent because of his success in his 
work. Lee Harris was from the South — a tall, 
dark-haired, genial fellow, who was popular 
with all who knew him. Scott Gordon’s home 
was in New York. Though in scholarship he 
was not equal to John, nor in athletics was he 
a rival of Larcum, still in each branch, as well 
as in his work in the classroom, he was good 
without being excellent. 

The summer before the boys entered college, 


6 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Larcum’s father, who was a prominent railroad 
man, had given the four classmates the use of 
his private car, in which they had made a trip 
to the Yellowstone/ At the end of freshman 
year, Larcum had withdrawn from college, 
where his services were no longer required,^' 
as he said, and had accepted a position in the 
office of the T. G. and P. railroad, where he 
commanded a salary of six dollars a week. Be- 
cause of family reasons, Lee first had entered 
a college near his home; but the past year had 
been spent in the same college which his friends 
Scott and J ohn attended. 

The boys had spent the summer vacation, at 
the end of their freshman year, in a trip 
through the South and Southwest.^ A few days 
preceding the evening when this story begins, 
Lee had telegraphed his friends of his proposed 
trip to England, and begged them all to join 
him. Fortunately all three were able to accept. 
Scott had secured rooms on the Celtic, and now 
the three boys were to spend the night before 
they sailed with Scott in his home. Larcum, 
as we know, had telegraphed that he would not 

^ See “ Four Boys in the Yellowstone.” 

* See Four Boys in the Land of Cotton ” and Four 
Boys on the Mississippi.” 


FOUR FRIENDS 


7 


fail to be on board tbe steamer at the hour of 
sailing on the following morning. 

Until late in the evening, the three friends 
remained in the library recounting their experi- 
ences of the preceding summer, and eagerly try- 
ing to picture what the coming voyage had in 
store for them. As Scott was the only one of 
the three who had ever been abroad, his words 
naturally had great weight with his friends 
and almost unconsciously he was beginning to 
assume a position as leader of the little party. 

The following morning, after the farewells 
with his family were said (Scott objected to 
any of the family accompanying the boys to the 
steamer), the three young travelers, their bag- 
gage on top of the cab in which they were rid- 
ing, started for the dock where the huge Celtic 
was awaiting them. 

This is something like it! exclaimed Lee 
excitedly, when at last they were driven to the 
long pier. See the crowds, will you! I don’t 
believe the boat can carry half these people.” 

It won’t have to,” remarked Scott. Most 
of these are people that have come to see their 
friends sail. The Celtic has a full list, but it 
would take the whole White Star fleet to carry 
this crowd.” 


8 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Here we are! ’’ broke in John, as the car- 
riage halted near the gangplank. As the boys 
leaped out, their baggage was seized by the line 
of waiting sailors and hastily carried to their 
staterooms. The boys themselves quickly fol- 
lowed, eager to inspect their quarters as well 
as to examine the huge boat itself. Throngs of 
people — some of them glad and others sad — 
were moving about the decks or standing in the 
companion ways. 

‘‘ There’s nothing the matter with this! ” ex- 
claimed Lee, as he looked about him in the lit- 
tle room which he and Scott were to share. A 
couch, two berths, a tiny clothes-press, two 
swinging washbowls were in the room, and two 
small windows opened upon the promenade 
deck. A connecting door between their room 
and that which John and Larcum were to oc- 
cupy was open, and when the boys inspected the 
second room they found it an exact counterpart 
of the first. 

‘ All the comforts of home,’ ” murmured 
Scott, as he and his friends returned to his 
room. ^ ‘ This next week will be the greatest in 
your lives,” he added graciously. Think 
of it — ^hundreds of miles beyond the sight 
of land, nothing but ocean and sky to be 


FOUR FRIENDS 


9 


seen, and nothing to do but to have a good 
time.^’ 

Hold on, Scott,’’ laughed Lee; here’s a 
package for you.” 

Good! There’s nothing like having 
friends,” remarked Scott, as he extended his 
hand for the small bundle that Lee had found 
on his bunk addressed to Scott Gordon. The 
only way a man ever has friends is to show 
himself friendly. See, ’ ’ he added, as before he 
could inspect his package the steward rapped on 
the door, and then entered, bearing two large 
baskets of fruit, each having a card attached to 
its handle, on which Scott Gordon ” was in- 
scribed. ‘‘ That’s what I told you! All this 
is merely a token of the interest, you will per- 
ceive, which my sailing arouses in New York.” 

We’ll be good friends with you, Scott — as 
long as the fruit lasts,” said Lee lightly. 

What’s in the package I handed you? ” 

‘‘I’d almost forgotten that,” exclaimed 
Scott, so intent upon his inspection that he 
failed to see the glance that passed between his 
friends. 

“ Want some help, Scott? ” inquired John 
in apparent eagerness. 

“No; thank you,” replied Scott, as he cut 


10 FOVE BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the string. ‘‘ Some people say if you save the 
string you’ll be a rich man. For my part, I’d 

rather have less money and not be tied to a 

Hello! what’s this? ” he exclaimed quickly, as 
he drew a small vial from the box. It was too 
late to conceal his discovery and so, striving 
to laugh, Scott said, Some friend has been 
very thoughtful of me. See what that is ? It’s 
a cure for seasickness. ‘ Hardnaught’s Specific 
for Sickness of the Sea. Price, ten dollars.’ 
I’ll let one of you boys have that.” 

‘‘ Pity you didn’t have it on our trip up the 
Great Lakes,” suggested John. 

How often must I tell you that I wasn’t 
seasick there? I wasn’t seasick one minute, 
and you know it as well as I do. ” 

“I’m not so sure as all that,” murmured 
John soberly. “ All I know is that if I wasn’t 
seasick, I’m mighty certain I would not have 
done some of the things you did. That’s what 
I can’t understand — ^why a fellow who isn’t the 
least bit seasick should have a face the color of 
chalk, should not want to go near the dining- 
saloon, should spend so much time at the 
rail ” 

“ I had a headache,” interrupted Scott. 
“ You know that as well as I do.” 


FOUR FRIENDS 


11 


Yes; I believe your head did ache ’’ 

‘‘ Come on! Let’s get out on deck and see 
the sights. We’re due to sail in less than an 
hour. I wish Larc would come.” 

“ He’ll be here all right,” said Scott con- 
fidently, as the boys departed from their rooms. 

Let’s stop at the office and see if we have 
any letters,” he added, as they approached the 
place. 

In response to their inquiries, Scott received 
two letters and a small package. Opening the 
envelopes, he found within two letters of in- 
troduction to some girls who also were booked 
to sail on the Celtic, 

‘ ‘ See ! ’ ’ demanded Scott triumphantly. 
‘‘ New York is pretty well broken up over my 
departure. Everybody is doing nice things for 
me.” 

What’s in the package? ” demanded Lee. 

“ I don’t know. I thought I wouldn’t open 
it here; I didn’t want to hurt the feelings of 
either of you.” 

‘ ‘ Open it. You can ’t hurt our feelings, ’ ’ sug- 
gested John. New York is not so rejoiced 
or relieved to be rid of us as it seems to be 
when others are going to put the Atlantic be- 
tween them and the city ” John stopped 


12 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


abruptly, and laughed aloud as he beheld what 
his friend had found in the package. Two large 
porous plasters were drawn forth, on which was 
a tag containing the words, ‘ ‘ A certain and con- 
vincing collection calculated to curtail collapse 
from combats with the C.’’ 

“ I say, Scott, are you going to take every- 
thing sent you? demanded Lee. 

I take nothing! retorted Scott laughing 

and yet angry. You fellows 

Mr. Gordon! Mr. Scott Gordon! ’’ shouted 
a messenger boy on the deck as the young trav- 
elers came outside. 

‘ ‘ Here ! Here I am ! ’ ’ called Scott. 

In a moment he signed the blank which the 
lad gave him, and then quickly tore open the 
envelope and drew forth another sealed en- 
velope, on which was written in letters so large 
that he was unable to hide them from his 
friends, ‘‘ A great help to the delicate. The 
misery of an ocean voyage removed by the use 
0 ^ Doctor Quackenbush’s marvelous meridian 
microscopic molecules.’’ 

That doctor doesn’t need the last two syl- 
lables of his name, ’ ’ said Scott scornfully, as he 
flung the envelope overboard. 


CHAPTER n 


THE DEPAKTURE 

There comes Larc! ’’ suddenly exclaimed 
Lee, as a cab was swiftly driven down the pier. 
Before the carriage had stopped, the door was 
opened and the huge form of Larcum Brown 
was seen as the young giant stepped out. Ap- 
parently, he was not excited, in spite of the 
fact that only a half-hour remained before the 
Celtic was scheduled to sail. 

Paying his driver, and then giving directions 
to the waiting sailors concerning his trunks, 
Larcum joined the throng of people on the 
gangplank and easily made his way among 
them. 

‘‘ Larc thinks he’s in a football rush and bis 
V opens up a way for him,” laughed Scott, as 
the three boys at once started toward the com- 
panionway to greet their friend as he came 
aboard. 

Make a V! ” remarked John. He makes 

a whole alphabet! There isn’t anything or 
13 


14 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


anybody that can stand in the way of that 
mountain of flesh! Larc looks as if he might 
weigh twenty pounds more than he did last 
year. Hard work must agree with him. ’ ’ 

‘‘ It might if he would try it/’ laughed Lee. 

There was slight opportunity for conversa- 
tion, however, as the boys made their way 
through the crowd. In a brief time they 
greeted their friend, and then all four at once 
proceeded to their rooms, where Larcum’s be- 
longings were soon stored. The enthusiasm 
of the party became more pronounced now 
that the missing member at last had safely 
arrived. 

‘‘You gave us a good scare, Larc,” said Lee. 

“ I don’t know what scared you,” retorted 
Larcum. “You never knew me to be left, did 
you? I tell you there’s nothing like the train- 
ing a man gets in such an official position as I 
hold in the T. G. and P. ’ ’ The young giant was 
speaking soberly, and the delight of the friends 
at the reunion was apparent in the manner of 
every one. 

“ What’s your salary now, Larc? ” inquired 
Scott. 

“ I have had my stipend raised ” began 

Larcum. 


THE DEPARTURE 


15 


“ Because you are going on a long vaca- 
tion? interrupted Lee. 

No, sir,’’ replied Larcum, ignoring the 
laugh that greeted Lee ’s words. ‘ ‘ My services 
are beginning to be appreciated, let me tell you ! 
I began at six per ; and my father, who usually 
is a man of good judgment, was unkind enough 
to remark at the time that that was exactly six 
dollars a week more than I was worth. I didn’t 

believe it then ” 

But you do now? ” broke in Scott. 

Well, I wouldn’t put it that way exactly, 
though now I see a little more plainly just what 
my father meant. You will all come to under- 
stand it when you finish your Greek roots and 
your X y z. I tell you, a man has to show he 
can do things in the railroad world before he 
can look for any very great recognition — such 

as I had last week ” 

‘‘ When the company found you were to 
be away from the office a few weeks? ” de- 
manded Scott. I think we all appreciate 
their feeling, Larc. What is your salary 
now? ” 

“ Seven perl ” exclaimed Larcum. 

Good for you! ” shouted Lee. “ If little 
Larcie works two years for a raise of one dol- 


16 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


lar, how long will it take him to be worth thirty 
cents? ’’ 

That^s all right/’ retorted Larcnm, as his 
friends laughed. You don’t understand what 
my real worth is.” 

Oh, yes, we do, Larc,” said John soberly. 
‘‘We know your value, and so does the T. G. 
and P. It’s a great thing to have a father who 
is an official high in the company’s affairs.” 

“ You don’t think I’m making capital of my 
father, do you? ” 

“Not at all. You were taken — and kept — 
not because Simeon Brown was a vice-presi- 
dent of the T. G. and P., but solely because of 
your own merits.” 

“You don’t know what you’re talking 
about! ” retorted Larcum. “ A fellow’s father 
expects twice as much from him as any other 
man does. If I had my life to live over again, 
I’d not go with the T. G. and P.” 

“ Probably some other road would let you 
off to go to Europe,” suggested Lee. 

“ It wasn’t my father at all that did that. It 
was my mother. She is about the only one that 
knows how hard I work and how much I need 

a rest ” Larcum stopped a moment as his 

companions shouted their approval, and then 


THE DEPARTURE 


17 


quickly resumed. It^s all right. I may not 
know just how many parasangs Clearchus 
marched in a day, but I^d have you understand 
that I do know a thing or two and some things 
besides. One of them is that a fellow ^s father 
may be in a position to give him a good start; 
but if he goes on, he^s got to make his own 
way by the sweat of his own brow.’’ 

‘‘ Never mind, Larkie,” said Lee sooth- 
ingly. ‘‘ We’re mighty glad you’re here, and 
it’s time now for us to go out on deck 
again. ’ ’ 

I didn’t know last night whether I’d make 
it or not. I waked up in the middle of the 
night, and I had a feeling that my watch was 
gone. I turned on the light and searched my 
berth ” 

Was it gone? ” inquired John sympa- 
thetically. 

No; but I found that it was going,” re- 
sponded Larcum soberly. Not one of Larcum’s 
friends smiled. Indeed, they all gazed in sol- 
emn silence at their huge companion, who ap- 
parently was unmoved by their unspoken re- 
proaches. In a brief time, when they had 
found a place in the long line of passengers 
that crowded about the rail, they were so deeply 


18 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


interested in the sight before them that all else 
was ignored. 

“ All ashore that’s going ashore! ” came the 
loud call on deck. Quickly the moving stream 
of humanity began to pass from the boat to the 
dock. Tears were streaming down the faces of 
some, for the departure of the Celtic meant to 
them a long, perhaps a final, separation from 
members of their own families. A young man, 
clad in a blue suit and wearing a jaunty yacht- 
ing cap of white, was standing near the rail 
close to the four boys, looking down at a woman 
on the pier, who was waving her hand to him, 
though she was weeping bitterly. All the boys 
knew at once that she was the young man’s 
mother, and that her son was starting on a 
voyage that meant much to them both. 

Others, however, were laughing gaily, and 
there was manifestly nothing but pleasure in 
their minds as they thought of the voyage be- 
fore their friends. The stir, the glowing sun of 
the bright June day, the immense steamer, the 
throngs of people, the officers in uniform to be 
seen about the deck, all combined to hold the 
deep interest of the four boys as they watched 
the animated scene. 

Again the warning call rang out, and the 


THE DEPARTURE 


19 


stream of departing people moved more rapidly. 
In a brief time all had gone to the pier, where 
a great throng was assembled to watch the de- 
parture. 

WeVe started! We’re moving! ” ex- 
claimed Lee excitedly. 

Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, it was 
seen that the great boat was indeed being drawn 
out of the slip by the tugboats that were on duty 
for that purpose. Soon the end of the pier was 
passed, and a mass of hands and handkerchiefs 
were waved by the crowd assembled there. The 
four boys were so excitedly watching all that 
they seldom spoke. It was a stirring scene, 
and one never to be forgotten. 

We- re on our way,” remarked Lee thought- 
fully. “ No getting back now. No matter 
what happens on shore, here we can’t help it. 
We’ve got to cross three thousand miles of 
ocean before we set foot on land again.” 

Sorry you came, Lee? ” laughed Scott. 

“ Not a bit! I wouldn’t miss it for a for- 
tune.” 

‘‘ Not even for seventy-five hundred dollars 
a year? ” 

‘‘ That’s one of the things I’m going for, at 
least that’s what I hope I’m going for. Hello I 


20 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


what^s wrong? Lee added quickly, as it be- 
came apparent that the huge Celtic was idly 
drifting in midstream. 

That’s what,” said Scott, as he pointed to 
an approaching tug. Somebody has been left, 
and the tug is bringing him out. That’s one 
of the things I can’t understand. Everybody 
knows that these ocean liners sail on the minute. 
You can almost set your watch by them. And 
yet there’s always somebody late.” 

Don’t look at me in that tone of voice, 
Scott,” said Larcum. I didn’t do it.” 

‘‘No, you didn’t; but you came as near to it 
as you could. There they are! See them? 
That man and those two women on the deck of 
the tug! The ones with those bags and suit- 
cases! They’re the people we’re waiting 
for.” 

“ How will they ever get on board? ” in- 
quired John. 

“ Wait, and you’ll see soon enough,” re- 
marked Scott grimly. 

In a brief time the tug was swung alongside 
the Celtic, and then a long rope ladder was low- 
ered from the deck. Down the swaying ladder 
two sailors sped nimbly, and the ladder was 
made fast to the tug’s deck. 


TEE DEPARTURE 


21 


Those women never can climb that ladder! 
It’s a good sixty feet! ” remarked Larcum. 

In a moment a long rope was lowered. In the 
end of the rope was a noose, which was quickly 
adjusted beneath the arms of one of the women. 
Grasping the sides of the rope ladder, a sailor 
coming close behind her to hold her in place as 
well as to protect her, the woman began her 
ascent. Sailors on deck were hauling on the 
rope which had been lowered and, in this man- 
ner, were assisting the woman in her upward 
way. Steadily she mounted the swaying ladder 
of rope and, in a brief time, was seized by the 
outstretched hands of sailors on deck and drawn 
on board. A cheer greeted the successful per- 
formance as the noose of rope was instantly low- 
ered for the ascent of the second member of 
the party. 

This member proved to be a stout woman, 
who weighed at least two hundred pounds. The 
noose was quickly adjusted, the protecting 
sailor took his position on the ladder close be- 
hind her; and then, at the given signal, the 
sailors on deck began to haul and the woman 
began the ascent. 

‘ ‘ Look at that, will you ! ’ ’ exclaimed J ohn. 

Her feet are not touching the ladder at all! 


22 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


The men are hauling her up as if she was a bag 
of meal.’’ 

John’s words were true, for the woman was 
not climbing at all. She did not utter a sound, 
however, and the silence with which the watch- 
ing passengers regarded her was unbroken un- 
til, at last, a sigh of relief escaped them when 
the terrified, helpless woman was drawn on 
deck. 

Is that what you mean when you say ‘ go- 
ing out with the tied ” inquired Larcum so- 
berly. ‘‘ I’ve heard these boats always wait 
for the tide.” 

It’s not the same word, Larc. It’s t-i-e-d 
in one place and t-i-d-e in the other. Don’t you 
see ? ’ ’ said J ohn. 

Oh, is it? Thank you. Jack. I’m glad 
you came,” responded Larcum, not even smiling 
when the other boys laughed aloud. 

‘‘Now we’re off for good and all! ” said 
Scott, as the Celtic began to move more rapidly 
on its way down the harbor. Apparently the 
irritation, as well as the interest aroused by 
the reception of the belated parties on board 
the boat, was forgotten now in the interest 
awakened by the sights of the beautiful 
harbor. 


THE DEPARTURE 


23 


Just look back and see that sky-line of New 
York,’^ remarked Larcum scornfully, as be 
pointed to the huge buildings of the city. 
‘‘ That looks about as raw and ragged as any- 
thing I ever saw.’^ 

What^s the trouble with that, Larc? ’’ de- 
manded Scott quickly. 

<< Why, it’s worse than saw teeth! It gets 
on your nerves! It’s ugly, and it’s about 
as beautiful as the stumps in a burned 
forest.” 

“ How would you have it? ” 

‘‘I’d have it artistic. I’d have some reg- 
ularity about it.” 

“ I wonder why the Rockies weren’t arranged 
that way if that is the best and the most beau- 
tiful. They’re not very regular, as I recall 
them.” 

“ That’s nature,” retorted Larcum. 

“ And you people from Chicago think you 
can improve even on the artistic ideas of the 
Creator? Well, all I can say is that you don’t 
show it in your own city, that’s all! You’re so 
anxious to be big that you take in the very 
prairies. Is it true, Larc, that a man can stand 
on the rear platform of one of your trolleys and 
shoot jack-rabbits in the so-called ‘ streets ’? 


24 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Do the city limits include the lodges of the 

Crow Indians ? Is the ’ ’ 

Oh, quit that! said John, breaking into 
the conversation. 

We’ll show you New Yorkers some day! ” 
exclaimed Larcum. 

No, you won’t. There won’t be anything 
to show,” said Scott grimly; “ that is, nothing 
but a few pork rinds and some of your big 
blows from the plains. Larc, did you ever hear 
what became of the frog that saw an ox, and 
at once became jealous of his size? You per- 
haps remember how the toad began to swell up 
and puff and blow to make himself big, and 
then all at once there wasn’t any toad at all. 
He had just blown himself up. Well, that’s 
the way ” 

‘‘ That’s all right,” laughed Larcum. I 
must do some writing to send back by the pilot. 
Did you fellows know that I have been doing 
some literary work? ” 

We hadn’t heard of it,” remarked John 
dryly. 

‘‘ Well, I have.” 

‘‘ What? ” 

“ Oh, I am a literary light. My mother has 
always known I could do it. The other day she 


THE DEPARTURE 


25 


said to me, ‘ Larcum, how proud I should be to 
have you follow a literary career. Write for 
money, you know. ’ I told her I had often done 
that, and I knew I could satisfy her completely. 
I^m going to write for money now.^’ 


CHAPTER m 


SCOTT ’S CONDESCENSION 

When Larcum rejoined his friends on deck 
the Celtic had entered the waters of the broad 
Atlantic and was headed eastward. Already 
Scott had secured chairs for the party and also 
seats in the dining-saloon. In spite of the full 
list of passengers, the huge boat did not appear 
to be crowded, and there was no difficulty in 
obtaining what Scott desired. He had consti- 
tuted himself the leader, in view of the one 
voyage which he had previously made, and his 
companions were not disposed to discourage his 
manifest desire to assume the burdens belong- 
ing to the position. 

As soon as the pilot had been discharged the 
speed of the Celtic increased. The waters of 
the ocean were as smooth as those of some land- 
locked lake, and when, in response to the sum- 
mons to luncheon, which was announced by the 
bugler, the four boys hastened to secure the 
seats allotted them, the motion of the boat was 
scarcely perceptible. 


26 


SCOTT^S CONDESCENSION 


27 


The boys found themselves at a table where 
six other people were seated. An American 
mother with her three daughters of the age of 
the boys, an English army officer, a man appar- 
ently about forty years of age, and a swarthy 
young man not more than twenty-five, were 
their companions at the table. To the surprise 
of the young travelers, they soon discovered 
that some of the conventionalities of home were 
quietly ignored and, without having been 
formally introduced to one another, the people 
at the same table were soon conversing, much 
as if they had been acquaintances of long stand- 
ing. 

Are you Mrs. Goodman? ’’ inquired Scott 
when the mother of the girls indirectly referred 
to her husband, who had not been able to ac- 
company his family on their voyage. 

Yes, that is my name,’’ she answered pleas- 
antly. ‘ ‘ And yours ? ’ ’ 

My name is Gordon — Scott Gordon,” re- 
plied Scott quickly. And these are my 
friends,” he added, as he presented each of his 
fellow-travelers in turn. I have a letter in 
my pocket for you, Mrs. Goodman,” he added. 

For me? Why, I hadn’t expected to re- 
ceive any mail before I reached London. How 


28 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


very interesting. ’ ^ It was manifest too that the 
girls were not less interested than their mother, 
as they watched her face while she read the let- 
ter which Scott handed her. 

Why, surely I should have known as soon 
as I heard your name,^’ said Mrs. Goodman, 
when she smilingly looked up after the perusal 
of the note. ‘‘ Your mother and I were school- 
mates. I can see her expression in your face, 
now that I know who you are. I am delighted 
to meet Mary Story ^s son. You must tell me 
all about her and about your family.^’ 

In a brief time the boys almost felt as if they 
had known their table companions a long time. 
They were all laughing and chatting gaily, and 
together returned to the deck, where the tramp 
of the voyagers was already begun. 

Is walking all the exercise one can have on 
shipboard ? ’ ’ inquired Sarah Goodman of Scott, 
with whom she was promenading. 

‘‘It’s the most popular,” replied Scott. 
“ Probably the shuffleboard will begin pretty 
soon.” 

“You must teach me how to play that.” 

“ I’ll be glad to. It’s a good game. Per- 
haps we can get up a tournament on the 
voyage.” 


SCOTT^S CONDESCENSION 


29 


‘‘I’m afraid I should not he a good-enough 
player for that.” 

“You play tennis? ” 

“ Oh, yes.” 

“ Then you’ll not have any trouble with shuf- 
fleboard,” said Scott graciously. “ I’ll find out 
pretty soon if we can have a game this after- 
noon. Here comes Larc,” he added, as the 
young giant and Lee with Mrs. Goodman and 
her other daughters were met. “ Larc, did 
you see the whale? ” 

“ No,” replied Larcum. “ Where is it? 
Show it to me, ’ ’ he added eagerly, as he peered 
far out over the ocean. 

“ Come here,” said Scott quietly, as he ad- 
vanced to the rail. “ Look away out there to 
the left. Can you see right in the line of that 
steamer? ” 

“ The one to the left? ” 

“ No, the one farther to the right.” 

“ I don’t see any whale.” 

“ Eight in the line of that second steamer? ” 
Scott explained. 

“ How far over? ” 

“ About two-thirds the distance between us 
and the boat.” 

“ I don’t see any whale.” 


30 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Here, take my glasses,’^ suggested Scott, 
as lie handed his binoculars to his friend. ‘ ‘ Can 
you see it now? 

Larcum was silent a moment as he gazed 
out over the waters. I don’t see it, Scott,” 
he said, as he lowered the glasses and turned 
to his friend. 

‘‘I’m sorry,” said Scott. 

“ Can you see one? ” demanded Larcum 
abruptly. 

“ No. I haven’t seen any,” replied Scott in- 
nocently. 

‘ ‘ Has any one seen a whale out there ? ’ ’ 

“ I haven’t heard of any one that has.” 

“ That’s one on me, Scott,” said Larcum, 
joining in the laugh which greeted Scott’s sober 
declaration. “I’m green, all right.” 

“ Never mind, Larc,” said Scott, keenly en- 
joying the plight of his friend. “ You keep on 
looking while I’m gone and perhaps you’ll sight 
a whale yet.” 

“ Where are you going, Scott? ” asked John. 

“I’m going to see about the shuffleboard. 
Perhaps we can have a game this after-/ 
noon. ’ ’ 

“ We’ll have to do something with that fel- 
low,” said Lee to his friends when Scott de- 


SCOTT^S CONDESCENSION 


31 


parted. He’ll be unbearable if he keeps this 
up much longer.” 

“ That’s right, Lee,” declared John quickly. 

We’ll find some way to quench his enthusi- 
asm. W e ’ll have to, or there ’ll be no living with 
him. Larc, what shall we do? ” 

“ Find a way or make it,” replied Larcum 
lightly. 

In a brief time Scott rejoined the party and 
said: “ I’ve got it fixed. Come right up on the 
upper promenade deck. I got the second mate 
to agree to mark off each deck. We’ll have to 
be quick about it or some one will get ahead of 
us. Come on!” 

The boys glanced slyly at one another as they 
and the girls followed their enthusiastic friend, 
when he led the way to the upper deck. 

There! ” said Scott with relief, as he found 
the sailor just completing his marking. ‘‘ We’ve 
got the deck to ourselves.” 

As the girls declined to join in the first game, 
preferring to watch and learn in that manner 
how the game was played, the four boys at once 
took their positions. 

You and I, Jack, will stand Lee and Lar- 
cum,” said Scott. Now we’re to stand back 
of this line and try to push the disks on to that 


32 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


frame marked in the deck. You can see what 
each place counts. If you push your disk on to 
the place marked ^ 8/ that will count eight. If it 
gets on to the one marked ^ 5, ’ it will count five. 
If you get on the one nearest us, it will count ten 
off. On the line doesn’t count anything. You 
must have your disk on the place free and clear 
to count anything at all. Lee, got any ques- 
tions to ask? ” 

‘‘ I guess we’ll learn,” said Larcum soberly. 

Who shoots first? ” 

Nobody ‘ shoots ’ at all. I’ll lead off for 
our side, and then Lee will lead for yours ; then 
Jack will play, and then you, Larc; and we’ll 
follow that order till one side scores fifty.” 

“ That won’t take long,” suggested Lee. 

Wait till you know more about it,” retorted 
Scott. ‘‘ All ready? Then I’ll lead off.” 
Stepping back of the line, Scott carefully placed 
his disk and then drove it swiftly forward. 

Ah, too hard!” he exclaimed, as the disk 
shot forward and did not stop until it had 
gone at least three yards beyond the outermost 
marking. Your turn now, Lee.” 

The young Southerner carefully estimated 
the distance, and then with an apparently gentle 
push shot his disk forward. 


SCOTT^S CONDESCENSION 


33 


‘‘ Good for you, Lee,’’ called Scott encour- 
agingly; ‘‘you’ll learn.” Eunning forward 
three steps Scott shot his own disk swiftly, and 
striking Lee’s sent it from its place, although 
his own disk was also outside the frame when 
its speed was checked. “ Now, Lee, try it 
again.” Scott was elated by his success, and 
failed to perceive the glances his friends gave 
each other. 

This time Lee’s shot was not as successful as 
his first, and rested squarely on the “ minus 
ten ’ ’ block. 

‘ ‘ When your opponent does that, ’ ’ explained 
Scott, “ you want to block him this way. Watch 
me and you’ll see how to do it.” Scott sent 
his disk forward until it rested outside the 
frame and directly in the line of Lee’s. “ You 
see, you can’t possibly make a shot now to drive 
your disk off. I’ve blocked you.” 

“ Yes, I see,” replied Lee as he made his 
play, his disk striking that of Scott’s and send- 
ing it forward until it rested beside his own, 
on the minus ten space. 

“ Good shot! ” acknowledged Scott amiably. 
“ Now the play is to leave your disk on and 
drive mine ofiF. This way. ’ ’ Scott ’s shot, how- 
ever, hit Lee’s disk and sent that into the six 


34 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


space, leaving his own still on the minus 
ten. 

‘ ‘ That ’s the way to do it, Lee ! ’ ’ called Lar- 
cum. You’re doing well against a pro- 
fessional. I’m glad I’m not in your place.” 

Scott did not make any remarks as he stepped 
back for his last shot. Aware that he was be- 
ing watched by the group of passengers that 
had stopped to see the game, he was doubly 
careful in his actions. Indeed, he was too care- 
ful, for his disk, when he drove it forward, 
failed to reach the frame at all. 

Hi! ” shouted Larcum. “ Don’t take any 
chances, Lee. Shoot outside. You might drive 
your own disk oft. Don’t do that! Be care- 
ful.” 

Heeding his friend’s advice, Lee did not at- 
tempt to drive his disk to the right, and conse- 
quently did make a point. 

Let me see ! ” said Scott, as he ran forward 
to inspect. ‘‘ That gives you six points and 
gives us minus ten. Never mind. Jack,” he 
added, as he turned to the little blackboard to 
record the score, we’ll make that up, all right. 
Don’t you be worried.” 

It was now the turn of Larcum and John to 
play. The young giant made his shots care- 



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SCOTT^S CONDESCENSION 


35 


fully and without any apparent effort, and with 
a skill almost as great as if he had long been 
familiar with the game. John, however, was 
less fortunate, and when each had made his four 
shots it was learned that the side composed of 
Scott and John were still minus ten, while their 
opponents^ score was eighteen. 

In the return Scott managed to wipe off the 
minus score, but Lee gained six, and the out- 
look for the experienced player ’’ was not 
bright. Indeed, when the game was ended Lar- 
cum and Lee had won, having scored fifty points 
to fifteen for the other side. 

‘‘ Never mind. Jack, you’ll learn the game 
pretty soon, ’ ’ said Scott. 

‘‘ You’ll have to give him some private les- 
sons, Scott,” suggested Larcum gravely. 

‘‘ I’ll be glad to do that,” replied Scott, un- 
conscious of any hidden suggestion implied in 
the young giant’s words. 

As two of the girls now expressed their will- 
ingness to play, another court was also secured, 
and Sarah Goodman became Scott’s partner, 
while her sister, Mary, was Larcum ’s. Scott’s 
elation was great when he and his partner won 
the game, although he apparently was not 
aware that it was the skill of the girl that 


36 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


proved to be the deciding element in the 
game. 

It^s good exercise and the game itself is in- 
teresting,’^ said Scott that night at the dinner 
table. ‘‘ I’ve got the tournament well started. 
We’re to begin day after to-morrow. Every 
one that enters pays a quarter, and we’ll have 
prizes for the winners in the men’s singles, the 
women’s singles, the men’s double, the women’s 
doubles, and for mixed doubles. You and I 
will be partners in the mixed doubles. Miss 
Sarah; and Larcum and I will play together in 
the men’s doubles.” 

Thank you! Thank you! ” Larcum spoke 
up promptly, and then he turned to Lee and 
winked solemnly. Just what he meant by the 
action to his friend was not plain at the time, 
but Larcum ’s purpose became manifest before 
the tournament was ended. 


CHAPTEE IV 


A TOUENAMENT 

In the days that passed rapidly, despite the 
monotony of the voyage, there were experiences 
so novel to our boys that every hour had its 
own interest. Scarcely a cloud had appeared, 
and the surface of the ocean was unruffled. The 
bright blue of the waves, the wide sweep of 
the vast ocean, the occasional sight of dolphins 
or rolling porpoises that came close to the ship, 
apparently unmindful of all peril to themselves ; 
the swift-flying birds that circled the Celtic or 
followed in its wake, eager to pick up the refuse 
from the tables; the occasional sight of a 
steamer, low in the distant horizon; the daily 
run of the ship, the making of new ac- 
quaintances — all these were sources of fresh 
and continual interest to the young voyagers. 
Scott, it is true, endeavored to appear some- 
what inditferent, as if his previous voyage had 
deprived him of a measure of novelty, but even 
he really was enjoying the voyage as much as 
his companions did. 


37 


38 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Already the people at their table seemed to 
be like friends of long standing, even the quiet 
British officer gradually thawing, and evidently 
willing to enter into the experiences of his com- 
panions, although apparently he had difficulties 
of his own in comprehending just what were 
the sources of this continuous hilarity. 

One day at luncheon, when the entire party 
appeared to be unusually merry, Mary Good- 
man inquired: ^^.Did any of you ever hear of 
the woman in Minneapolis who was so cross- 
eyed that when she cried her tears ran down 
her back? 

Yes, IVe heard of her many a time,’’ said 
John, as all the people at the table laughed ex- 
cept the Englishman. You know they have 
now found the cause of her trouble.” 

‘‘ What was it? ” inquired Mary. 

Bacteriology.” 

As no one even smiled at what Scott declared 
was John’s quotation from ancient history, the 
English officer, a puzzled expression appearing 
on his troubled countenance, peered at Mary 
solemnly and said, “ Did I understand you to 
say that this woman was so cross-eyed that 
when she wept her tears ran down her 
back? ” 


A TOURNAMENT 


39 


That’s the story,” laughed Mary. 

Again the English officer glanced in manifest 
bewilderment from one to another of the people 
at the table; then, with his brows knitted and 
his mystification complete, he said slowly : 
‘ ‘ Why, why, madam, I think that is an impossi- 
bility! Don’t you see, madam, that it would 
be impossible for any one to turn his head in 
such a manner that while he was weeping his 
tears could flow down his back? ” 

Even Jack, naturally the most sedate of the 
four boys, joined heartily in the laughter that 
greeted the solemn declaration, and the Eng- 
lishman, manifestly, was even more puzzled 
than before. 

“ That’s the funniest part of it all,” roared 
Larcum. 

‘‘ Why, I don’t see! I had not intended to 
say anything funny,” remarked the officer in his 
solemn manner. 

It’s just the American sense of fun, that’s 
all,” explained Scott. It is so different from 
that which you true Britons have. ’ ’ 

I do not consider the English deficient in 
a perception of anything humorous,” the Eng- 
lishman stoutly maintained. 

‘‘ Not at all,” said Scott soberly. On the 


40 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


contrary, some of the English are the funniest 
people I ever saw/’ 

You are quite right,” returned the officer, 
unaware of the smile that greeted Scott’s re- 
mark — a smile that was hastily repressed. 
‘‘ ’Pon my word, you people from the States 
are quite incorrect in your ideas concerning the 
understanding of a joke by us. We do see one. 
I fancy we are quite as keen as the Americans. 
But among us it is considered bad form, you 
know, to display one’s feelings. Children and 
savages — uncivilized people, you understand — 
are those who have no control over their im- 
pulses. They weep easily, or they shout with 
laughter if they are pleased. Now, I assure 
you, I do, indeed, that we are quite as keen as 
any one to perceive the point of a joke but we 
do not childishly give way to the impulse. Cul- 
tivated people are seldom boisterous or devoid 
of a certain restraint. Do you perceive my 
meaning? ” 

Perfectly,” replied John. ‘‘It is a good 
point too.” 

“ And stated with the utmost delicacy and 
tact, ’ ’ said Lee. 

“ Assuredly,” assented the officer. 

“ You and I are to play in the men’s doubles 


A TOURNAMENT 


41 


in the tournament this afternoon,’’ said John 
to the Englishman. 

‘‘ Are we, indeed? That will be quite agree- 
able to me. Who are to be our opponents ? ’ ’ 

I saw the names in the drawings but I don’t 
know who the men are.” 

‘‘ I fancy they will appear on time.” 

When the hour for the game arrived, how- 
ever, the opposing team failed to appear, and 
John and Major Arthur were declared winners 
by default. Larcum and Scott fortunately won 
their match, and as Lee had not entered for 
these doubles, the interest of our party natur- 
ally centered upon the two teams that were 
now to play in the semi-finals. 

How about playing now? ” inquired John 
when Scott and Larcum had been declared win- 
ners. 

That’s hardly good form, you know,” sug- 
gested the major. “ These men are winded. 
I’m sure we don’t want to take any unfair ad- 
vantage of them.” 

‘‘ He’s a good sport,” said Scott admiringly 
in a low tone to Lee who was standing near. 

I’m ready if Scott is,” spoke up Larcum. 

It finally was agreed that the match should be 
played, and the game was at once begun. As 


42 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


John and Larcnm were to play against each 
other, they took their places at one end of the 
court and waited for the opponents to begin. 

That Englishman will prove to be a good 
player,’’ remarked Larcum. 

‘‘ I hope so,” laughed Jack. It’s my only 
hope, for I can’t expect to do anything against 
you. ’ ’ 

I never played shuffleboard in my life be- 
fore I came on board.” 

‘‘ That may be true, but the fact does not 
make any ditference. You are a born athlete.” 

We’ll put my business experience against 
your ‘ book learnin’.’ ” 

You might as well try to put sky blue 
against the taste of olives. It isn’t a fair test, 
Larc. Look out now, they’re ready to begin.” 

The interest of the spectators was as keen as 
that of the players when Scott began the game. 
His disk rested upon six,” and murmurs of 
applause were heard from the assembly as the 
score was announced by the umpire. As the 
major had not as yet been seen in the game, 
what he would do was a matter of deep interest. 
Quietly taking his place, the major drove his 
opponent’s disk from its position, his own rest- 
ing upon four when Scott’s turn came. 


A TOURNAMENT 


43 


Off again! ’’ called Scott when he failed 
to score. 

On again! ’’ retorted John when his part- 
ner scored six. 

Gone again! ’’ laughed Larcum, as Scott 
cleared the deck by a fortunate shot, which was 
loudly applauded. 

At the close of the inning, however, John and 
the major had secured six to their credit to none 
for their opponents. 

‘ ‘ That is a peculiar expression you and your 
friends used,’’ said the major to Scott, when 
Larcum and John prepared to play. 

What expression? ” 

Why, it was something like ‘ off again, on 
again.’ ” 

‘‘ That? Oh, that’s just American slang.” 

Is it, indeed! ” 

There’s a story connected with it, I be- 
lieve,” explained Scott. 

I fancied there might be. And what is the 
tale? ” 

“ There was a conductor of a freight train 
out West who used to write such long telegrams, 
and waste so much time in discussing his train 
orders over the wire, that he was told he must 
not do that any more. He was always in diffi- 


44 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


culties, or wrecks, or something of the kind, yon 
see, and the company explained to him that if he 
wanted to keep his place as conductor he must 
not be so unmindful of time. His name was 
Finnegan. Well, the very day after he received 
his instructions, Finnegan ^s train was in a 
smashup as usual, but he didn’t send any word 
for help. He kept his men at work, and within 
an hour or two after the accident he had every- 
thing in working order again. But he couldn’t 
quite resist his old propensity to write tele- 
grams, so he sent this one to his superiors: 
‘ Otf again. On again. Gone again. — 
Finnegan.’ ” 

‘‘ Ah, yes; I see,” said the major, gazing sol- 
emnly at his teammate. Very terse. Very 
terse, indeed.” 

Scott’s impulse to laugh was restrained by 
the game, which now was renewed. John 
proved himself to be a better player than his 
modest statements had implied, and when each 
had made his four shots Larcum had secured 
only three points for his side. 

The interest now became keener, and every 
move of the players was closely watched by the 
spectators. Scott’s words, expressive of his 
chagrin over his failures, or of pleasure at his 


A TOURNAMENT 


45 


more fortunate shots, were somewhat loud and 
not infrequent. His opponent seldom spoke, 
, however, and did not once give voice to his own 
pleasure or disappointment. Every one was 
doing his utmost, and it was manifest that the 
game was to be hotly contested. 

Three times Larcum and Scott came within 
one point of winning the contest, but each time 
the major succeeded in driving his opponent's 
disk into the minus space, and the advantage 
was lost. Every time, however, Larcum suc- 
ceeded in winning back a part of the loss, and 
at last the score stood at forty-nine for each 
side. 

The interest of the spectators was keener 
now than it had been at any time in the game. 
Their numbers, too, had increased until the deck 
was filled with the watchers. Larcum appar- 
ently was cool and calm. He laughed and joked 
with his opponents, but Scott plainly was deeply 
aroused. To him the winning of the game was 
a matter of much moment. The silent player 
was the major who, though he plainly was eager 
to win, and was carefully making every move, 
still did not betray his feelings by any word or 
act. 

The skill of the players had now become more 


46 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


pronounced, and if one side placed the disk it 
was almost certain to be driven away by the 
next shot. Scott and the major were having 
their turn, and with only one point to win, the 
chances of success were carefully measured by 
each player. The major had placed his disk 
well in each of his three shots, but Scott had 
succeeded each time in displacing it. One shot 
now remained for each player, and just as the 
Englishman made his, the ship rolled and the 
disk slowly slid beyond the limit, and no score 
was made. 

Now, Scott! ’’ called Larcum, this is your 
time to win glory! Get twelve or fourteen! 
DonT fail ! ’’ 

But he canT get twelve,^’ said the major 
soberly. No man can win more than ten. It 
can’t possibly be done, you know.” 

Larcum laughed quietly, but made no re- 
sponse because his teammate was ready to play. 
Carefully Scott drew back his arm, and as he 
drove the disk forward over the deck all the 
spectators leaned forward also as if in S 5 rm- 
pathy. Slowly the little piece of wood slid 
across the line and almost stopped. ‘‘ No 
score! ” shouted one of the spectators in his ex- 
citement. 


A TOURNAMENT 


47 


‘‘ Better wait a minute/’ called Scott 
derisively, as the ship again rolled and the disk 
slowly passed just over the line into four.” 
Eunning swiftly forward, Scott leaned over the 
line of chalk to see if his disk had settled 
free. 

‘‘It’s clear,” said the umpire quietly. “ That 
makes your score fifty-three. ’ ’ 

“ I thought I’d make it,” said Scott proudly. 
“ I was counting on that roll of the ship. One 
must figure on everything, you know. ’ ’ 

“ There’s one thing, anyway, I like about 
that Englishman,” said Larcum to John. 

“ There’s more than one I like. To what do 
you refer? ” 

“ He plays the game as he ought. You don’t 
hear him calling out when he makes a poor shot, 
and he’s just as quiet when he makes a good 
one. He never uses any exclamation points. I 
like that. It shows he has the right stuff in 
him. Deliver me from the fellow who is always 
talking or trying to explain his poor play. The 
Englishman is great at that. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ He certainly is. Let me see, Larc, you are 
in the finals now in the men’s doubles, and 
well up in the singles and the mixed doubles, 
too.” 


48 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 

Miss Goodman will have to win that if 
we get it. I’d be willing to lose every other 
match if we can only get that. ’ ’ 

‘‘Why? ” 

“ Look at Scott and you’ll see what I mean.” 


CHAPTER V 


THE FINALS 

Scott was excitedly talking to Mary Good- 
man, his expression betraying his keen interest, 
and his manner unconsciously disclosing his 
elation as well as his pride in being a leader in 
the activities. 

It isnT like Scott to act that way,’’ said 
John thoughtfully to Larcum. I don’t know 
what to make of him. Usually he is quiet 
enough and doesn’t bluster at all.” 

He feels his importance too much. Of 
course, we are willing to acknowledge his large 
experience — he’s crossed the ocean once before I 
But that doesn’t give him the right to put on 
airs. We’ll have to do a little missionary work 
with him, to show him he is not the only 
passenger on board,” laughed Larcum. 

Don’t be too hard with him, Larc.” 

Oh, I’ll be gentle. I'm not doing it for my 
sake. It hurts me more than it does him. But 
we certainly can’t stand this.” 

49 


50 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


The assembly now dispersed to prepare for 
luncheon. When our friends assembled at the 
table in the dining-saloon, Larcum, who was 
seated next to John, turned to him and whis- 
pered, I think I have it. Jack.’’ 

‘ Have what ? ’ ’ 

“ The cure for Scott.” 

‘‘ What is it? ” 

I can’t tell you here. It will take a little 
while, maybe a week or two, to work it out, 
but it will cure him! Don’t you be afraid! 
Look at him now! I can’t make him out. He 
never put on airs before. Of course he is con- 
ceited over his little burg, and is cocksure New 
York contains everything in America that is 
good for anything; but I don’t hold that against 
him. Look at him, will you! ” continued Lar- 
cum, as both boys glanced at their friend. 

Who would ever have believed Scott Gordon 
could have changed as he has.” 

Apparently unaware of the plots or feelings 
of his friends, Scott was animatedly conversing 
with the Englishman, and it was evident, too, 
that his words were spoken in such a manner 
that all who were seat ed at the table might hear 
them. 

“ But,” the Englishman was saying, ‘‘ I do 



Scott was excitedly talking to Mary Goodman. — Page 49 












Lii* 
li t 


Ji . K. 




TEE FINALS 


51 


not see how you people in the States succeed 
in doing any permanent business. You have an 
election every four years that must greatly dis- 
turb conditions.^’ 

Oh, we do enough in the other three years 
to make up for the loss of one,” said Scott 
lightly. ‘‘ Then, too, our State legislatures are 
very keen to help us. Only last year the State 
legislature of New Jersey passed a law that 
traction engines should not be allowed to chase 
around nights without a chaperone. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Did they, indeed? ” remarked the major 
soberly. 

Yes. The same legislature passed another 
bill, too, that it should be a misdemeanor to pick 
huckleberries with threshing-machines.” 

Ton my word,” said the major; I have 
never heard of such a law as that ! Do you peo- 
ple really pick berries by machinery? That is 
very remarkable! Very remarkable, indeed! ” 

Quite so,” acknowledged Scott, glancing 
solemnly at his smiling friends. ‘‘ They are 
very particular about making laws for the rail- 
roads, too. Only the other day I heard of a man 
who was leaning too far out from a car, when a 
sudden jar of the train made him fall. For- 
tunately, he landed in a sandheap, so that a few 


52 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


bruises and some torn clothing was all that he 
suffered. He picked himself up and said to a 
porter, who was standing near-by, ‘ What shall 
I do? ’ ‘ You^re all right,’ replied the porter, 
^ your ticket allows you to stop off.’ ” 

Not one of the three boys even smiled at 
Scott’s story; and the major, soberly turning 
to the narrator, said, ‘‘ Yes, but a stop-over 
ticket permits one to alight decently, you 
know. ’ ’ 

Scott laughed at the response; but not even 
the girls now smiled. Perhaps they had dis- 
covered the purpose of Scott’s friends and were 
not unwilling to aid them in their efforts to 
repress him. 

What is the highest mountain in Eng- 
land? ” inquired Scott of the major. 

Mount Snowden, I fancy, is the highest 
peak in England and Wales.” 

‘‘ How high is it? ” 

I do not recall, exactly, but it is between 
four and five thousand feet. ’ ’ 

About two- thirds as high as Mount Wash- 
ington,” replied Scott. ‘‘ In America, we 
should call Snowden just a high hill. ’ ’ 

“ Have you ever been to Klondike? ” inquired 
the major. 


TEE FINALS 


53 


No, sir. My father often reminds me of 
it, so I have never felt that it was necessary for 
me to go there.” 

Then your father has visited the Klondike, 
has he? ” 

No, sir.” 

Pardon me, I understood you to say that 
your father often recalled his experiences 
there. ’ ’ 

Not quite that,” laughed Scott. ‘‘ I said 
he reminded me of it.” 

‘ ^ I fear I do not quite grasp your meaning. ’ ’ 

<< Why, the Klondike has plenty of gold, but 
it is cold and distant. That^s what makes me 
think he and Alaska are alike.” 

And your father suffers from the cold? ” 
inquired the major innocently. 

Even the boys smiled at the literalness with 
which the major received the statement of Scott, 
and the elation of the latter was marked. 

Scott? ” inquired Larcum, did you ever 
hear of the great Irish tragedian, Barry Sulli- 
van? ” 

“ Of course,” answered Scott condescend- 
ingly. ‘‘ What about him? ” 

You know his great part was as the king 
in Shakespeare’s ‘ Eichard III.’ One night in 


54 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the play, when Sullivan came to the words ^ A 
horse ! A horse ! My kingdom for a horse ! ’ 
some one down in the pit called out, ‘ And 
wouldn’t a jackass do as well for you? ’ ” 

And what did Barry Sullivan have to say 
to that? ” asked Scott. 

Why, he turned like a flash toward the man 
who had called out, and said, ^ Yes, sir ; a jack- 
ass will do me just as well. Come around to 
the stage door right away. ’ ’ ’ 

Ah! Very good! Very good, indeed!” 
said the major. And did the man in the 
pit really have a jackass with him at the 
time? ” 

Better not try it again, Larc,” whispered 
John to his companion. 

‘‘ Do you know that that is a true story, 
Larc? ” inquired Scott, whose face had flushed 
slightly at the question. 

I think it is true,” replied Larcum. 

It isn’t your story, then? ” 

Larcum smiled grimly, but made no reply, 
and the conversation quickly was turned into 
other channels. 

The following day the finals in the tournament 
were played. Scott had been defeated by the 
major in the singles, and had explained his 


THE FINALS 


55 


defeat by tbe rolling of the ship, which de- 
stroyed his skill. It did not apparently occur 
to him that the ship also rolled when his oppo- 
nent played, and even when he was reminded 
of the fact by John, he laughed but made no re- 
sponse. 

J ohn and Lee had earlier been defeated ; Lar- 
cum was in the finals in all three contests ; while 
Scott was with him in the men’s doubles, and 
he and Mary Goodman were left to play her 
sister and Larcum in the mixed doubles. 

In the mixed doubles the game was exceed- 
ingly close, and the applause of the spectators 
was long and generous when at last Scott and 
his partner were pronounced the winners. In 
the men’s doubles the prize was won by Larcum 
and Scott, the former playing a game so sure 
and skilful that the errors of the latter were 
more than counterbalanced. In the ladies’ con- 
tests, Miss Mary Goodman and her sister easily 
won. The only remaining contest now was in 
the singles, and the two contestants, Larcum 
and the major, were greeted by a round of ap- 
plause when they took their places on the 
deck. 

It was evident that the sympathies of most of 
the assembled passengers were with Larcum, 


56 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


which was only natural in view of the fact that 
the Americans on board greatly outnumbered 
their British cousins. The major, however, 
was not without his supporters, and what was 
lacking in numbers was in a measure at least 
atoned for by the loyalty and enthusiasm of his 
fellow-countrymen. 

Do your best. It would be awful to have 
America beaten,’^ whispered Mary Goodman to 
Larcum. 

^ ‘ Does the honor of my country depend upon 
my feeble efforts'? ’’ inquired the young giant 
smilingly. 

‘‘In this contest it does. Don’t let him 
win! ” 

“ I don’t like to lose,” acknowledged Larcum. 

“ You mustn’t lose! We shall be disgraced 
if you do ! ” 

‘ ‘ So bad as that ? Well, I’ll do my best, ’ ’ an- 
swered Larcum, as he stepped forward to his 
place. ‘ ‘ Whatever I go into, I want to do that. 
Then, if I lose, I have nothing to say, and no 
one to blame.” 

It was decided by the toss of a coin that Lar- 
cum was to make the first shot, and applause 
greeted his efforts when the umpire announced 
that he had made eight. The major was treated 


TEE FINALS 


57 


as generously when, by a swift stroke, he suc- 
ceeded in driving his opponent’s disk from its 
place. At the close of the inning the score was 
five each. 

It was manifest that the contest was to be 
close, and that the contestants were exceedingly 
well matched, although their style of playing 
was radically different. Larcum’s shots were 
made carefully and easily, the young giant ap- 
parently not in any way exerting himself. The 
major, however, played hard, and ran several 
feet forward every time he sent his disk toward 
the chalk-drawn frame. 

By several successful shots of the major the 
advantage which Larcum at first won was lost, 
and after the contest had been waged for nearly 
an hour the score stood forty-five to nineteen in 
the major’s favor. He, however, was appar- 
ently as devoid of elation as he had been at the 
beginning of the game, and was playing as 
carefully as he had then. 

‘‘It’s too bad,” said Scott to his friends, who 
were standing near him, excitedly watching the 
players. “ Larc has played three games 
before this, to-day, and that’s too much. 
He isn’t doing what I told him to do, 
either.” 


58 FOVB BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


You can trust little Larkie/’ said Lee de- 
murely. The major hasnT won the game 
yef 

‘‘ But that’s our way,” persisted Scott. 

The Yankees do well at the start and then 
are played out. The English hold on to the 
very last and win, because they simply won’t or 
can’t let go. That’s why the Americans win 
in the sprints and the Englishmen win in the 
long-distance runs.” 

‘‘ That doesn’t look like it was always that 
way! ” shouted Lee, as the inning ended with 
fourteen points in Larcum’s favor and two for 
the major. 

‘‘ That’s good,” acknowledged Scott; but if 
the major does as well as that next time, he’ll 
go out. ’ ’ 

No, he won’t,” said Lee slowly; he’ll still 
lack one. We sha’n’t give up till the last gun 
is fired! Let’s sing ‘ Dixie ’! ” 

As Lee led in the stirring song, Larcum 
turned to his friends and waved his hands. 
‘‘ That’s good,” he called. Better give us 
‘ America ’ next ! ’ ’ 

Instantly the song was taken up, but the etf ect 
was partly destroyed when it was found that 
some of the passengers were singing ‘‘ God 


THE FINALS 


59 


Save the King,” while others, with equal en- 
thusiasm, were voicing their feelings in My 
Country, Tis of Thee.” 

What a pity we haven T a distinct national 
hymn of our own,” said Mrs. Goodman. 

Oh, we have,” said Mary quickly. ‘ The 
Star Spangled Banner ’ is ” 

She stopped abruptly when it was seen 
that Larcum^s shot had won ten, and 
that the major ^s attempt to dislodge it had 
failed. 

‘‘ Good! Good! ” she shouted, and clapped 
her hands when Larcum^s next shot completely 
blocked any attempt of his opponent to accom- 
plish the longed-for object. The major now 
stopped a moment, apparently calculating the 
exact amount of force he must use. He waited 
until the roll of the ship returned, and then 
carefully drove his disk in such a manner that 
its course curved and carried it into five.” 
There was danger now lest, in his attempt to 
dislodge his opponent, Larcum might also drive 
his own disk from its place. It was his last op- 
portunity and, unless he succeeded, the English- 
man had the game won, and ‘ ‘ America was dis- 
graced forever ” in Mary Goodman’s ex- 
pressive language. 


60 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Stepping back a trifle farther than had been 
his custom, Larcum sent his disk with tremen- 
dous force toward the chalked spaces before 
him. 


CHAPTER VI 


LARCTJM^S PEEPLEXITY 

A shout arose from the assembled spectators 
when Larcum’s shot struck his opponent’s disk 
and sent it far beyond the outermost bounds. 
As Larcum’s own disk was left on the five space, 
the game was won. 

Instantly the major turned to the young giant 
and, cordially extending his hand, said, ‘ ‘ I con- 
gratulate you, sir. That was done with extraor- 
dinary skill.” 

I suspect it was more luck than skill,” re- 
plied Larcum, nevertheless greatly pleased over 
the outcome of the game. 

The excitement, however, was speedily ig- 
nored when one of the passengers suddenly ex- 
claimed, ‘‘ Land has been sighted I ” 

A rush of people to the rail followed, and 
peering through glasses the dim and distant 
outlines of the Irish hills were seen. 

‘‘ That’s a great experience,” said Scott. 

The first time one sees the coast of a foreign 
land is something he never forgets.” 

61 


62 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


“ Too bad, Scott, all your fun is spoiled. 
That’s the penalty you have to pay for having 
been a globe trotter,” laughed Lee. 

‘‘ Oh, I don’t mind,” replied Scott loftily. 

I get my fun by watching you. Of 
course, I wish I could feel about it as you 
do, but ” 

‘‘ That is impossible,” interrupted John. 
‘‘We might tell you just how we feel, but you 
would not understand. It was so long ago when 
you were here.” 

“ Not so very long,” said Scott graciously. 
“ Only three years.” 

Unaware of the glances his friends gave one 
another and, consequently, not suspecting any 
plot against himself, Scott, with the others, was 
watching the coastline which, with every pass- 
ing moment, was becoming more distinct. The 
interest on shipboard had changed, but was even 
keener than it had been in any of the experiences 
of the voyage. The week had gone rapidly, and 
every day had provided its own interest. 
Friends had been made, sights had been seen, 
and information obtained which could be had 
in no other way. And now that still more 
sights were to be seen, the interest of all was 
becoming still more keen. 


LARCUM^S PERPLEXITY 


63 


As Mrs. Goodman and her daughters were 
to leave the steamer at Queenstown, to make a 
tour of Ireland and Scotland before they were 
to go to London, our four boys were busy in as- 
sisting them in their preparations for depart- 
ing. When at last, just at dusk, the great 
steamer halted otf the harbor of Queenstown, 
to await the coming of the tenders that were to 
convey the people that left the boat here, the 
entire party stood watching by the rail. In a 
brief time the two little sidewheel steamers 
came alongside, and the hurrying passengers 
began to disembark. 

Still our party lingered and watched the ex- 
citing scene. 

‘ ‘ Just look at the trunks the steerage passen- 
gers have! ’’ exclaimed Mary, as the huge pile 
of baggage on one of the tenders steadily rose. 
Deckhands were busily placing the trunks and 
bags together, and the sight was one to interest 
all. 

Don’t look much as they did when they 
came to America,” said Larcum. 

It is almost like the picture of ‘ before tak- 
ing, and after.’ That shows what America 
does for people.” 

‘‘ See how the steerage passengers are 


64 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


dressed, too,” added Mary. I wish we could 
have a photograph of them now and place it be- 
side one taken of them when they landed at Ellis 
Island. That would show what had been done 
for them.” 

Just then the major joined the group, and as 
he listened to Mary’s words, he said gravely, 
‘‘ I fancy Ireland, or at least the southern part 
of it, would be deserted if it were not for the 
money the Irish boys and girls earn in America 
and send back home.” 

‘‘ Here’s our warning,” exclaimed Sarah 
anxiously, as the call for the passengers who 
were to land was again heard. “ Come on, 
mother! Hurry, Mary! We must not be left. 
Come ! Come on ! ” 

Eagerly the girls started toward the gang- 
plank, and the boys all followed, each carrying 
a bag or parcel in his hand. At last the good- 
bys were all spoken, the boys returned to a 
place on the promenade deck of the Celtic , from 
which they were able to see both tenders, which 
in a few moments were on their way toward the 
harbor. Handkerchiefs and hands were waved, 
and as long as the boats could be seen the faint 
sounds of singing by the returning Irish peas- 
ants could be heard. The mighty Celtic swung 


LARCUM^S PERPLEXITY 


65 


around on its course, and soon the passengers 
were on their way across the Irish Sea. 

I think we’ll have to do something for 
Scott,” said Larcum. He looks as if he had 
lost his last friend ! ’ ’ 

Poor Scott! ” added John sympathetically. 

Cheer up, old chap. We’ll all meet in Lon- 
don.” 

There’s nothing the matter with me,” de- 
clared Scott. 

Too bad,” joined in Lee. What can we 
do to make the world a little brighter for poor 
Scott? ” 

I have it. I have the very thing,” declared 
Larcum. I know just what will brighten up 
the world a bit for Scott.” 

‘‘ What? ” inquired Scott. 

There’s ^ plenty of room at the bottom,’ 
you know. Go down and have a shine,” an- 
swered Larcum. 

‘‘ Never you mind that,” retorted Scott. 
‘‘ We’d better be getting our things in order. 
We’ll have to arrange our tips, too.” 

Whom do we tip? ” inquired Lee. 

Everybody. They line up from the cook to 
the deck steward. Every one of them expects 
a fee, and if you don’t come up to the standard 


66 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


they won^t be ‘ backward in coming forward/ 
either. ’ ’ 

“ How much are we expected to give? ’’ 

“ 1^11 fix it all. Come on! Let’s go down to 
dinner. ’ ’ 

It was early the following morning when 
the majestic Celtic steamed up the Mersey. The 
dredges were at work almost every day striving 
to keep back the sandbar that threatened the 
channel of the stream. Busy little sailboats 
were passing; puffing tugs, steamers preparing 
to depart for South Africa, South America, and 
the United States, as well as for Ireland and 
various other parts of the United Kingdom. It 
was a stirring scene upon which the boys looked 
— the river, the forty miles of docks, the great 
factories and homes of Liverpool, all adding to 
the interest. 

‘‘ Look at those great forts ! ” exclaimed Lee, 
pointing as he Spoke to the fortifications on the 
hillside. I don’t believe a gunboat could 
ever creep up the Mersey.” 

Not very easily,” acknowledged the major, 
who was now standing beside the boys. 

What is the difference between a fort and 
a fortress, major? ” asked Lee. 

Why, don’t you know? ” spoke up Scott 


LARCUM^S PERPLEXITY 


67 


quickly. ‘‘ A fortress is the feminine form. 
That^s 

Then that is why it is so much harder to 
silence a fortress than it is a fort, is it? ’’ in- 
quired Larcum demurely. 

‘‘ Not at all,’’ began the major seriously, at 
a loss to understand why the boys laughed at 
Larcum ’s words. It is this way ” 

Before the major was able to complete his ex- 
planation, however, the interest of the boys was 
at once drawn to the floating dock, or landing 
stage, alongside of which the Celtic was now 
drawing. 

n TJiere are nine miles of these floating 
docks,” explained the major. 

Larcum, who apparently was determined to 
find in the sights he saw only what could be com- 
pared unfavorably with his own country, at once 
said, ‘‘It’s too bad the docks could not be made 
permanent. ’ ’ 

“ But, you see, they rise and fall with the 
tide,” explained the major. 

“ What good does that do? ” 

“ WTiy — ^why, the tide makes the docks rise, 
you see.” 

“ Yes, but I don’t see anything remarkable 
in that. So does a ship.” 


68 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


But the docks rise,’^ added the major. 

Nothing very wonderful about that. If the 
docks didn^t rise, then you might talk. Now, 
in Chicago — ^but then, Chicago is so much big- 
ger than Liverpool that it isn’t quite fair to 
make any comparison.” 

“ Here come the agents of the railroads,” 
said Scott hastily, as several men in uniform 
were discovered moving about the deck among 
the passengers. You fellows stay here and 
I’ll attend to the tickets.” 

Soon after Scott departed, Lee also disap- 
peared ; and when the two boys returned, 
Scott said lightly, You see what experience 
does for a man ! I understood just what 
was to be done, and I’ve got everything 
arranged.” 

<< We’re to go to York straight from here? ” 
inquired Larcum. 

Yes. And I’ve arranged for the trunks to 
be sent on to London. I gave the second 
steward a five-dollar bill, and he has agreed to 
have the trunks sent on.” 

Prepaid? ” asked John. 

‘‘ Of course,” laughed Scott. ‘‘We’ll find 
them at the hotel Metropole when we reach Lon- 
don. Hello! Here’s Lee. What have you 


LARCVM^S PERPLEXITY 


69 


been doing, Lee? asked Scott, as his friend 
joined them. 

Oh, just looking about a bit to make sure 
everything is all right.’’ 

I’ve attended to everything already,” ex- 
plained Scott. Here we go,” he added, as a 
stream of passengers began to descend to the 
dock, in a moment the boys, after they had 
shaken hands with the major, and had promised 
to let him know as soon as they should arrive 
in London, joined the throng and passed with 
eager steps and laughing words down the steep 
gangplank to the dock. 

‘‘ At last we’re in Old England! We’ve set 
foot on English soil,” said John thoughtfully. 

We’ll have to take our suit-cases to the places 
where they belong before we can take our 
train. ’ ’ 

How’s that? ” demanded Larcum. 

Why, you go yonder to that place where 
you see the big B. All the people whose names 
begin with B have to go there and take their 
turn in having their baggage inspected. I’ll 
go over there where that big letter F is, and, 
of course, each of you other fellows will go 
where you belong. We’d better arrange to 
meet here near the door. Every fellow come 


70 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


here just as soon as he’s done with the cnstoms 
officer! ” 

Obediently the boys sought the places where 
each belonged, and joined the throngs that al- 
ready were waiting near the various letters that 
were indicators of the assembling-places. 

A half-hour afterward, when John and Lee 
returned to the door, they found Scott there 
awaiting them. ‘‘ Where’s Larc? ” said Scott 
quickly. 

‘ ^ I don ’t know. I haven ’t seen him, ’ ’ replied 
John. 

‘ ‘ He may be in trouble. You wait here while 
I go and find him. ’ ’ 

Passing quickly to the spot where all the 
passengers whose names began with B were as- 
sembled, Scott speedily discovered his missing 
friend. A customs inspector had just come, 
and in a gruff manner was inquiring: 

Has your luggage been inspected? ” 

My what? ” demanded Larcum. 

“ Your luggage! Your luggage, man! ” 

I haven’t any luggage.” 

What is that in your hand? That box? ” 

‘‘ I haven’t any boxes. You mean this suit- 
case? ” 

Yes, sir. Be quick, man! ” 


LARCUM^S PERPLEXITY 


71 


I^m quick enough. What is it that you 
want me to be quick about! 

‘ ‘ Open your box. ’ ^ 

^ ^ I haven ^t any box. I told you that before, ’ ’ 
said Larcum slowly. ‘‘ All I have is this suit- 
case.^’ 

Open it. What have you inside! ” 

You mean inside the suitcase! ” 

“ I warn you to be careful, sir. You must 
not trifle with the law. ’ ’ 

Far be it from me to trifle,” said Larcum 
solemnly. ‘‘I’m trying to obey. Just what 
is it you want me to do ! ” 

“ Have you any sweets in that box! ” de- 
manded the angry official. 

“ Sweets! Sweets! ” said Larcum thought- 
fully. “ What are they! I don’t under- 
stand. ’ ’ 

“ He means candy, Larc,” suggested Scott 
to his friend. 

“ Oh, it’s candy you mean, is it! ” said 
Larcum smoothly. “ Why didn’t you say 
so! ” 

“ Have you any sweets! ” repeated the of- 
ficial. 

“ If you mean candy, I haven’t any. I can 
get you some if you want it. I didn’t know you 


72 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


wanted that. If you'll tell me where they 


Have you any perfumery? '' 

Have I any what? " 

‘‘ Perfumes, man; perfumes! " 

‘‘I'm sorry," said Larcum mournfully. “ I 
haven't a drop. I'm not surprised that you 
want some in this horrible station, though. I'll 
get you some, ' ' he added with a smile. 

“ Have you any spirits? " 

“ I don't quite understand. You mean 
ghosts? No, I haven't even one little spook. 
I'm afraid I can't get any, either." 

‘ ‘ Spirits ! spirits, man ; spirits ! ' ' shouted the 
official. “ Have you any spirits? " 

Larcum shook his head solemnly. “ When I 
left New York I was full of spirits, hut I'm 
afraid I haven't much left now. What kind of 
spirits were you looking for? " 


CHAPTEE Vn 


A MISSING MEMBER 

Look out, Larc, you’ll have trouble,” 
warned Scott in a low voice. 

Then this inspector will have to find it,” 
retorted Larcum. I haven’t any trouble in 
my outfit. Do they tax that, tool ” 

Have you any spirits, man I ” again de- 
manded the official. ‘‘You are holding back all 
these people! ” 

“ I am holding them back! ” said Larcum 
soberly. “ I don’t see how. I am not doing 
anything. I am only too eager to be gone.” 

In spite of his irritation at his friend’s ac- 
tions, Scott laughed as he said to Larcum, “ You 
know as well as I do what he wants, Larc. 
Don’t bother him any more. These other peo- 
ple are of as much importance as you, and they 
all want to get on board the train.” 

“ What does he want, anyway I ” said Lar- 
cum blandly. “ If he would only use the Eng- 
lish language, it would save all this trouble.” 

73 


74 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


He wants to know if you have any brandy 
or such stutf in your suit-case. There’s a duty 
on it, if you have,” replied Scott. 

Is it brandy you want! ” inquired Larcum 
blandly of the inspector. 

‘‘ Yezzir! Yezzir! Be quick, man! ” 

Do you need it badly? ” 

Yezzir. I want to see what you have.” 

I did not know that the British officials de- 
manded that, too. IVe tipped every man and 
every woman I could find in uniform, but I did 
not understand that I was required to provide 
fiasks of brandy, too.” 

If you don’t open your bag I’ll have you 
arrested,” said the official. I don’t intend to 
be made game of any more.” 

Oh, you want me to open my suit-case, do 
you? ” said Larcum soothingly, as he at once 
unlocked and opened his luggage.” ‘‘I’m 
sorry there isn’t any perfumery, or sweets, or 
brandy for you. I don’t use any of the three 
things, as I told you. Some of them I can get 
for you ” 

The disgusted officer, however, was not in any 
mood to listen to further suggestions, and lean- 
ing low over the opened suit-case, in his anger 
he scattered its contents about the station. 


A MISSING MEMBER 


75 


Then, not discovering any of the dutiable 
articles to which he had referred, he hastily 
marked the bag with his hieroglyphics, that 
would pass it through the customs and, without 
once glancing behind him, stalked majestically 
to the other passengers that impatiently were 
waiting their turn. 

DonT do that again, Larc,’’ said Scott, as 
the two boys started quickly toward the place 
where their friends were awaiting their re- 
turn. 

‘‘ DonT do what‘s ’’ inquired Larcum in- 
nocently. 

You know what I mean.’’ 

It isn’t my fault if the man doesn’t un- 
derstand the English language. ‘ Sweets! ’ 
^ Spirits! ’ ” said Larcum in apparent disgust. 
<< Why can’t he say candy and brandy, if that 
is what he wants? ” 

“ What have you been doing? ” demanded 
John, as his two friends came to the place 
where he and Lee were impatiently awaiting 
them. 

I’ll tell you about it when we’re on the 
train,” replied Scott, glancing at Larcum as he 
spoke. ‘‘ I don’t now what we’ll do with Larc 
if he keeps on. He’ll have the English people 


76 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


chasing him off the island if he doesn’t look 
out. You stay here and I’ll get a four-wheeler 
in a few seconds.” 

Larcum demurely declared that he hadn’t 
done anything,” when his two friends inquired 
concerning his long delay by the inspector, nor 
had he explained when Scott returned with the 
cab he had secured. 

What time does the train start? ” inquired 

Lee. 

‘ ‘ In about an hour, ’ ’ replied Scott. 

Then you three go on and I’ll come later. 
I must stop in Liverpool long enough to see a 
man here. It’s only one question I have to ask 
of him,” he added, as his friends protested. 
‘‘ It won’t take long.” Nor would Lee listen to 
the suggestion that his friends should accom- 
pany him. 

“ Don’t be late, Lee,” called Scott, when at 
last the three boys entered the four-wheeler, and 
the carriage started. 

“ Don’t you worry about me,” retorted Lee, 
as he quickly hailed a hansom, and departed 
from the station. 

“ What did you get a cab for, Scott? ” de- 
manded John, when, after a brief ride of two 
or three minutes, the party alighted at a ferry. 


A MISSING MEMBER 


77 


‘ ‘ I thought it was farther, ’ ’ replied Scott, in 
some confusion. 

‘‘We’ve time enough before the ferryboat 
starts to take a little ride and get our money’s 
worth, ’ ’ suggested Larcum. 

“ I take no chances with this party,” said 
Scott decidedly. “ It’s bad enough to have 
Lee gone, and I’ll not let either of you out of 
my sight.” 

‘ ‘ Come on then, ’ ’ said Larcum as, seizing his 
suit-case, he led the way on board the boat. 

Without a protest his friends followed him, 
and in a brief time the little boat began its 
short voyage across the Mersey to Birkenhead. 

How strange everything appeared ! The boat 
was a side-wheeler ; the garb and even the faces 
of their fellow-passengers seemed different from 
those with which the boys were familiar. There 
was no crowd such as rushed toward the gates 
of the ferryboats in America. The long city 
spread out along the banks of the river, and its 
enterprise and commerce were both apparent. 

“ How large is Liverpool? ” inquired John, 
as he looked back. 

“ About the size of Boston or St. Louis,” re- 
plied Larcum. “ If the rest of England isn’t 
more different from America than this town is, 


78 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


we won’t know we have been outside New York 
harbor.” 

You just wait,” laughed Scott. 

I’m sure that’s what I’ll have to do most 
of the time, ’ ’ sighed Larcum. 

You mustn’t expect to see such rushing and 
working as there is in New York. That city 
leads the world, you know,” said Scott com- 
placently. 

Pity about New York,” snorted Larcum. 

You do work hard there, don’t you? ” 

Harder than anywhere else in the world.” 

Yes, I’ve noticed that. If a horse slips on 
the pavement, there isn’t a man in New York 
that will stop to see the sight. If there ’s a safe 
being hoisted, nobody stops to see it being lifted. 
If there’s a fakir holding forth on the street, 
he can’t get any crowd to stop to listen to him. 
Oh, no, not one! If there’s a man making 
griddle cakes in the front window of a restau- 
rant, nobody in New York stops on the street 
to watch him. That is, no one after the street 
is blocked for a hundred feet or more. Yes, we 
all know how hard you New Yorkers work. 
And you are so modest you never refer to 
it!” 

Never mind, Larc,” laughed Scott; even 


A MISSING MEMBER 


79 


you will be singing the praises of little old New 
York before we’re home again.” 

If I do ” began Larcum. As the boat 

was entering its slip now, the conversation was 
interrupted, and the eager boys were watching 
the people about them with renewed interest. 

You’ll have to lead now, Scott,” said John. 

We’ll follow.” 

‘‘ Come right along,” Scott said quickly. 

It’s easy for a greenhorn to be lost here. I’ll 
show you the way. ’ ’ 

Larcum smiled grimly, but made no protest 
when his friend advanced on a certain long 
platform and then stopped before an open door 
in a small car. 

What do you call these things? ” said Lar- 
cum disdainfully, as he glanced at the train, the 
cars of which were not more than half the size 
of those with which he was familiar in America. 

These, sir, are ^ carriages ’ in England — 
‘ cars ’ in America,” said Scott. 

<< Why don’t they call them cars then? ” 

Probably car and carriage have the same 
meaning. The root is the same, I think,” sug- 
gested J ohn. 

Never mind your roots. What I want is a 
seat.” 


80 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘ ‘ Here you are, Larc ! ’ ’ laughed Scott, as 
he led the way into the compartment. What 
can you ask better than this ? ^ ’ he added, as he 
glanced about the little room in which six peo- 
ple might be seated. 

Is this the way the whole car is divided! 

Yes; and every car on the train. 

What for! I don’t wonder they call it a 
carriage, not a car,” sniffed Larcum, as he 
placed his suitcase on the rack. Just look at 
this! ” he added, as he stood erect and looked 
about him. You’re shut up here in a stuffy 
little box! You can hardly turn around ” 

Sit down, Larc. You’ll feel better when we 
start,” suggested John. 

Thank you,” ejaculated the young giant as 
he promptly took a seat. 

Now, Larc, you’ll have to behave yourself,” 
remarked Scott. Here you are, just starting 
out, and all you do is to find fault. People will 
know you are from Chicago if you don’t keep 
still — ^pork rinds, lard, and all.” 

I don’t charge anything for what I say,” 
growled Larcum. ‘‘I’m an American, with a 
big A, and I don ’t care who knows it ! ” 

‘ ‘ Even an American can be a gentleman, not 
a ‘ blow.’ ” 


A MISSING MEMBER 


81 


Can he? growled Larcum, with a grin. 
Perhaps you’ll show us how to do it.” 

I’ll not scatter my words free gratis for 
nothing, like some men I have met.” 

Didn’t I tell you my words are not free? ” 
demanded Larcum. Didn’t I tell you that I 
wrote for money now? ” 

You did. I’ll tell you, Larc, if you 
want to know, how you can get a dollar a 
word. ’ ’ 

‘‘I’m your man ! Tell me ! ” demanded Lar- 
cum, sitting quickly erect. 

“ I’ve known many a man to get that — and 
more — for just talking back to the judge. If 
you keep up your line of talk, such as you had 
with the customs officer this morning, and your 
growling about everything you see or find, 
you’ll find a dollar a word will be a good deal 
less than you will get. ’ ’ 

“ I’ll stand on my rights as an American citi- 
zen ! ’ ’ began Larcum pompously, quickly stand- 
ing erect in the little compartment. “ Jack, 
don’t you remember Bunker Hill? Have you 
no recollections of Concord and Lexington? For 

myself. I’ll stand ” 

But Larcum quickly sat down, for at that mo- 
ment the train gave a sudden lurch, the shrill. 


82 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


little whistle sounded and the cars were 
moving. 

That’s the way to do it! ” laughed John. 

If you’ll only live up to your word like that 
we’ll have something to talk about when 
we go home. Where’s Lee? ” he suddenly 
added. 

‘‘ That’s what I’m thinking about, too,” said 
Scott, manifestly troubled by the failure of their 
friend to appear. ‘‘ I don’t know what he’ll do 
if he has been left? ” 

Do? He’ll take another train and come on 
later,” said Larcum. You seem to forget 
that Lee can take care of himself. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Perhaps he’s on the train, somewhere,” 
suggested John. 

If he is, he’ll find us all right,” said Scott. 
‘ ‘ This is a corridor train, and Lee can go from 
one car to another. ’ ’ 

From one carriage to another you mean, 
don’t you, Scott? ” laughed John. “ By the 
way, I was reading only the other day why the 
English call a car a ‘ carriage ’ or coach, and 
why they call a ticket office the ^ booking ’ of- 
fice. ’ ’ 

“ Why is it? ” inquired Scott. 

“ They were the old terms used before the 


A MISSING MEMBER 


83 


railroads were built — ^wben all the travel was 
by stagecoaches. The same old terms are still 
kept, you see.’^ 

‘ ‘ Humph ! ’ ’ snorted Larcum. ‘ ^ And a train 
is a corridor train, I suppose, because it has 
that narrow, little passageway along the side of 
the car? ’’ 

Precisely,’’ said Scott. 

And yet the English railway men sent a 
commission over to the United States, not long 
ago, to study our system. And the men re- 
ported, when they went back, that they hadn’t 
found anything to learn from the way we do 
things in America ! ’ ’ 

Never mind, Larc,” said Scott soothingly. 

You’ll have to own up that this compartment 
is mighty comfortable, and we’re in great luck 
to have it all to ourselves, too. See how beau- 
tifully it’s furnished. And it’s clean and 
bright. See the pictures above the racks. Why, 
it’s almost like having a private car all to our- 
selves. See how fast we’re going, too! We 
must be making a mile a minute easily. I think 
we’re in luck! If I hadn’t known just what to 

do we might have Hello, here’s the 

major! ” Scott suddenly added, as their fellow- 
traveler on the Celtic appeared at the door of 


84 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the compartment. Seen anything of Lee? ” 
Scott inquired. 

<< Why, I fancy he started for York,’’ said the 
major blandly. 

Isn’t this the train for York? ” demanded 
Larcum abruptly. 

‘‘Not at all,” replied the major. “ This is 
the through express for London.” 


CHAPTER Vin 


JOHNNY COPE 

For a moment the young travelers stared 
blankly at one another. The noise of the rush- 
ing train, the calm face of the major, the sight, 
from the windows, of the green fields, through 
which they were swiftly passing, were all ig- 
nored in the consternation that had seized upon 
the three boys. 

Larcum was the first to break in upon the op- 
pressive silence, as, with a shout of laughter, he 
turned to Scott and said, ‘‘ What a wonderful 
thing it is to have a guide! How glad I am 
that Scott came! If it hadn’t been for his ex- 
perience we might be on our way to Timbuctoo ! 
Scott, you are a jewel! You ought to have a 
gold crown — at least on one of your teeth ! ’ ’ 

Even John joined in his friend’s laugh and 
looked at Scott, whose face had fiushed scarlet. 
‘‘ Are you sure, major? ” the latter demanded, 
as he turned again to the officer. 

“ Quite,” replied the major. I did not ex- 
85 


86 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


pect to meet you, young gentleman, so soon. It 
is a pleasure, I assure you.’^ 

It^s my mistake,’’ admitted Scott humbly. 

^ ^ What shall we do ? ” 

‘ Do ” roared Larcum. There isn’t 
anything we can do. We must stay on board 
the train. It doesn’t stop before it reaches 
London, does it, major? ” 

I fancy not,” replied the major. 

Sit down then, Scott,” continued Larcum. 

‘ ‘ But what will Lee think ? What ’ll he do ? ” 
said Scott, as he followed the advice of his 
friend and disconsolately seated himself. 

‘ ‘ Oh, Lee will be all right. He can take care 
of himself. He hasn’t any courier or experi- 
enced traveler along with him to tell him what 
to do. Scott, what degree do you expect to take 
when you graduate ? ’ ’ 

Bachelor of Arts, I suppose,” answered 
Scott. ‘‘ Why? WTiat has my degree to do 
with this mistake? ” 

‘‘Not very much. I’ll admit,” replied Lar- 
cum demurely. “ I was thinking that the col- 
lege, instead of giving you an A. B., ought to 
give you a G. A. T. ” 

“ Why? I never heard of that degree. What 
is it? ” 


JOHNNY COPE’^ 


87 


Great American Traveler.’^ 

I^m sorry,’’ acknowledged Scott ruefully, 
as his friends again laughed. I don’t see 
yet how I made the mistake. ’ ’ 

Never mind, Scott,” said John consolingly. 

It can’t be helped now; Lee will be all right, 
and we’ll hear from him soon. He’ll join us in 
a day or two.” 

‘‘ It’ll do you good, Scott,” joined in Larcum. 

It’s a lesson you sadly needed, and you want 
to thank your lucky stars that it came as it did. 
We had it in mind to help you out in another 
way, but we ’re saved all the trouble now. ’ ’ 

‘‘ I’ll never hear the last of it,” lamented 
Scott. 

If you learn the lesson you won’t be 
troubled,” laughed Larcum. We’ll keep it 

in reserve, and if you ever try to ” 

I’ll never try,” interrupted Scott dryly. 
‘‘ I know you too well. I’ve done my last 
in this personally-conducted tour of Great 
Britain. ’ ’ 

Great! Great Scott! ” said Larcum so- 
berly. I did think of suggesting to Mr. Cook 
that he never would have his touring business 
on the proper foundation until he had hired you. 
However, now I’m sure he will be willing to re- 


88 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


sign in your favor. You’ll be the great and 
only Mr. Cook himself. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Thank you,” said Scott dryly. I appre- 
ciate all you say.” 

Even the mistake of the self-appointed 
courier was speedily forgotten in the interest 
which all the members of the party felt in the 
scenes through which they were swiftly pass- 
ing. The country seemed almost to be covered 
by a network of railroads. Narrow little 
canals, too, were frequently seen ; the canal boats 
being so small and narrow that to the boys they 
seemed almost to be toy boats. Hedgerows lined 
the well-kept roads; automobiles were darting 
swiftly through the country ; the fields were cul- 
tivated almost to the limit of their space ; sleek 
cattle and almost countless sheep were grazing 
in the pastures, and flocks of ravens hovered 
about the huge willows, that indicated where the 
banks of the streams were. The villages, too, 
were near together, and the cities were black 
with the smoke of their many factories. 

Every passing minute provided its own in- 
terest, and the attention of the boys was stead- 
ily held to the changing country through which 
they were carried. 

“ Never mind, Scott,” said John; ‘‘I’m sure 


JOHNNY COPE^^ 


89 


Lee hasn’t seen anything like this. I wouldn’t 
have missed it for a good deal.” 

‘ ‘ And to think we would have missed it if it 
hadn’t been for you,” added Larcum demurely. 

We shall never forget you, Scott.” 

England is the most beautiful country in 
the world,” said the major. 

To Englishmen, you mean, don’t you? ” 
laughed Larcum. 

To every one.” 

That depends,” said Larcum quickly. 

What have you to compare with Niagara? 
Then there is the Yosemite, the Yellowstone, 
Pike’s Peak, and Manitou; there’s the Missis- 
sippi, the Grand Canon of the Colorado, the 
wheat fields of the Dakotas ” 

Ah, yes,” said the major, quite so. You 
have some grand scenery in the States. I was 
not referring to nature but to what man has 
done. England may not be grand. It is its 
beauty to which I referred.” 

And the major is right,” spoke up Scott 
quickly. 

Are you sure? How do you know, Scott? ” 
demanded Larcum. 

Scott’s face flushed, and he did not reply to 
his friend’s questions. 


90 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ Major/’ inquired John, have, you ever 
been in active service? ” 

‘‘ Oh, yes.” 

Where? ” 

‘ ^ In South Africa. ’ ’ 

Were you in the Boer War? ” Inquired 
John, interested at once. 

I was.” 

Tell us some of your experiences, won’t 
you please? ” begged John. 

<< Why, there was nothing remarkable in my 
service,” answered the major. ‘‘ I was too 
busy, I fancy, to be aware of what was occur- 
ring elsewhere.” 

The Dutchmen made a great fight,” sug- 
gested Larcum. 

Quite so,” admitted the major simply. 

They deserved their independence,” added 
Larcum. 

That perhaps is your opinion,” said the 
major indifferently. If they did, then all I 
can say, sir, is that they failed to receive 
their deserts — at least in the way you sug- 
gest. ’ ’ 

They certainly gave England a lively time 
of it.” 

Ah, yes. I fancy they opened our eyes a 


JOHNNY COPE^^ 


91 


bit. And we opened the eyes of some other 
powers, too.” 

‘‘ Didn’t you have any exciting experiences, 
major? ” asked John. 

None worthy of mention.” 

But you must have heard of some,” per- 
sisted John. It seems to me that war was as 
full of heroic deeds as the American Eevolu- 
tion was.” 

‘ ‘ The Eevolution, as you term it, was a great 
mistake. It ought never to have occurred. The 
people of England never wanted it. ’ ’ 

Very likely,” said Larcum drolly. They 
got it whether they wanted it or not. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Can’t you tell us of any deed of heroism — 
any that you heard of, major? ” said John 
quickly, aware that the conversation was drift- 
ing into perilous lines. 

I recall one quite interesting atfair,” said 
the major, after a brief pause. 

‘‘ Please tell us about it,” said John. ‘‘lam 
always glad to get history at first hand. It 
isn’t often one meets a man who helped make 
it.” 

“ Quite so. This event, however, was not 
one in which I had a part. It occurred at Ma- 
gersfontein. It was raining and blowing very 


92 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


hard that December morning. One of our 
Highland brigades had been ambushed by a 
party of Boers, and the men were badly cut up. 
Column after column of the Highlanders had 
marched down that hill in the rain and mist, 
and the Boers met them with a murderous fire. 
Before the noon hour came eight hundred and 
fifty-three of the Scotchmen had been killed, and 
as many more had been desperately wounded. 

‘ ‘ There came a slight lull in the fighting then. 
The Highlanders that remained were well-nigh 
exhausted and, in fact, had lost heart, I fear. 
The enemy were hidden behind rocks or trees, 
and they were quite skilled in the use of their 
rifles. Quite skillful, indeed.^’ 

‘‘So I have heard,’’ murmured Larcum. 
“ It was a little like Bunker Hill, wasn’t it, 
major? ” 

“ I do not recall that hill,” replied the major, 
apparently unaware of the expression on Lar- 
cum ’s face. “ Major Anderson of the High- 
land brigade — ^poor chap, he himself was killed 
less than an hour afterward — saw a piper with 
his pipes under his arm come stalking into the 
open space between the armies. The man ap- 
peared to be a bit daft or so weary that he did 
not realize where he was at the time. 


JOHNNY COPE^’ 


93 


The major rushed up to him and shouted, 
^ Blow, man ! Blow your pipes ! ’ 

^ I canna,^ said the piper. ^ I canna blaw; 
my lips are dry.^ 

The major did his utmost to pull his own 
water-bottle from his belt and give the poor 
chap a drink ; but he was too weak to get it out. 
Finally, the piper knelt on the ground and some- 
how contrived to hold the bottle to his lips. He 
drew a long draught and then stumbled to his 
feet again. 

‘ Blow, man! Blow your pipes! ’ said the 
major a bit eagerly. The air was so misty one 
could not see more than a few yards away, and 
it was so hot and muggy that even if there had 
not been any fighting — and there was a plenty — 
the poor chaps in the service would have been 
jolly well knocked up. 

But the piper began to blow, playing the 
tune, ^ Hey, Johnny Cope are Ye Wakin^ Yet? ’ 
He stood there all alone blowing his pipes and 
beginning to mark time by stamping his foot. 
It was not long before another piper came and 
joined in the tune, and then another came and 
still others — ^all of them marking time with 
their feet while they played J ohnny Cope. 

In a few minutes the Highlanders began to 


94 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


gather about the pipers. It was not long before 
almost all that was left of the brigade were 
there. Then the major and some of his fellow- 
officers began to sift the men first into regi- 
ments and then into companies. They were a 
desperate band, I fancy. They were mopping 
their faces with their coat-sleeves, and their lips 
were so parched that they were swelled and 
bleeding. But they were ready for the charge 
— and made it.’’ 

‘‘ Did they lose many! ” inquired John in a 
low voice. 

‘‘ The loss was enormous.” 

But they won? ” 

Oh, yes,” said the major quietly. 

‘‘ And all because that one piper plucked up 
courage to play on his bagpipes ‘ Hey, Johnny 
Cope, are Ye Wakin’ Yet ’? ” 

It was not courage, you know. His lips 
were dry.” 

John smiled at the simplicity of the major. 
He was confident the man might have related a 
story of deeds in which he had a part, but he 
knew, too, he would be silent concerning them. 
And John was drawn more strongly to the quiet, 
matter-of-fact officer, who had never a word 
to say concerning himself and his own deeds. 


JOHNNY COPE^’ 


95 


‘‘We shall be in London very soon now,” 
said the major, peering from the windows at the 
region through which they were passing. 

‘ ‘ In London already ! ’ ’ exclaimed Larcum in 
surprise. “ I didn’t know we were due there 
as soon as this. Why didn’t you tell me, 
Scott? ” 

Scott, however, did not reply. 

The speed of the train did not decrease as it 
swept past the suburbs. “We haven’t seen 
one frame house since we left Liverpool,” sug- 
gested J ohn, as he peered at the rows of streets. 
“ Every house is of brick or stone.” 

“ Quite right,” assented the major. “ We 
have no such supply of lumber as you have in 
the States. Here we are,” he added, as the 
train halted in a long, covered station. 

Once more promising the major to let him 
know when they were settled in their hotel, the 
boys hastily departed from the car, secured a 
carriage, and were taken at once to the Metro- 
pole, where they had already engaged rooms 
by telegram. 

“ This is for you, sir,” said one of the em- 
ployees, as he handed a telegram to Larcum. 

Surprised, Larcum hastily tore open the en- 
velope, and then stared blankly at the contents. 


CHAPTER IX 


A FACE IN THE THRONG 

What is it, Larc? ’’ inquired John, 

‘‘ It’s a telegram.” 

From Lee? ” 

‘‘ Yes.” 

<< Why don’t you tell us what it is! What 
has he to say for himself? ” 

‘‘ Read it for yourself! ” retorted Larcum 
as he handed the message to his friend. 
Quickly taking the slip, John read the contents 
aloud : 

‘ Am with Armstrong. If you want me 
again wire York.’ ” 

‘‘ What does he mean? ” inquired Scott 
blankly 

‘‘I’m afraid he thinks we didn’t want to go 
to York with him,” said Larcum. 

“ Nonsense! Lee isn’t such a cad as that! 
He knows we made a mistake in our train. I’ll 
telegraph him right away.” 

“ Where? ” 


96 


A FACE IN THE THRONG 


97 


At York, of course.’’ 

‘‘ Wkat’s his address in York? ” 

‘‘I don’t know,” replied Scott. Why 
didn’t he tell us? ” 

“ Couldn’t get it inside the limit of ten 
words.” 

The head porter can tell us,” suggested 
Scott, as he turned toward a man resplendent 
in gilt and blue, who was standing in the lobby. 

^ ‘ I thought that man was the lieutenant-gen- 
eral of the British army,” said Larcum to John, 
as Scott approached the dignitary and made his 
inquiries. ‘‘ John, what do you think? ” Lar- 
cum continued : ‘ ‘ Hadn ’t we all better start for 
York? Lee will be there a day or two, anyway, 
and we’ll be able to pacify him in short order 
if we can only find him. What do you say? ” 

Better wait till we get some word from 
him,” suggested John. 

The porter says Lee probably went to the 
Station Hotel, ’ ’ said Scott, who at this juncture 
returned to his friends. 

Worth trying then, anyway,” said John. 
‘‘ Send your message and we’ll go up to our 
rooms.” 

When Scott soon afterward joined his friends 
in the two connecting rooms which had been se- 


98 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


cured by the boys, he said lightly as he entered, 

It’s gone. What do you think it cost 
me? ” 

How much? ” 

“ A sixpence — that’s twelve and a half cents 
in American money. You can send a telegram 
to any place in the United Kingdom for that. 
Not much like the charges in America, is it? 
Costs a quarter to send a telegram to the near- 
est town there. Here, too, the telegraph offices 
are in the post-offices, and are a part of the 
postal service.” 

What makes the difference? ” asked John. 

‘‘ Oh, in England the telegraph companies 
are not purely philanthropic institutions as they 
are in the United States,” laughed Scott. 
^ ^ There we pay for the message and add a hun- 
dred per cent, for the benefit of the men who 
built the line and own the stock. Here the 
government owns the telegraph companies, and 
one pays for what it is worth to send his mes- 
sage and no more. There are postal savings 
banks here, too. I wish we had them in the 
United States.” 

What good would they do? ” demanded 
Larcum. 

‘‘ Good? They’d provide means for every- 


A FACE IN THE THRONG 99 


body to save, and they’d do it, too, if they knew 
their money would be safe. ’ ’ 

‘‘ You’re a regular Socialist, Scott,” declared 
Larcum half angrily. 

Not a ‘ regular,’ Larc. Only one in spots. 
Some things are better when they’re under gov- 
ernmental control. I don’t want everything 
there. ’ ’ 

What would be better? ” 

Public schools and post-offices,” answered 
Scott promptly. 

‘‘ How about railroads? ” 

I don’t know about them. I’m not sure.” 

I guess you’re not! ” retorted Larcum. 
<< We’ve got all the politics we want without 
adding railroads to the bunch.” 

Oh, the railroads are not now in politics? 
That what you mean? ” 

Only as much as they are compelled to be 
and no more.” 

‘‘ Who compels them? ” 

<< Why, the legislatures.” 

Poor things,” murmured Scott in mock 
sympathy. 

Well, you know as well as I do, Scott Gor- 
don,” said Larcum hotly, that even if the 
railroads aren’t angelic, they’re better off than 


100 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


they would be if they were altogether in politics. 
Who would want to ride across a bridge if it 
had been built by Patsy 0 ’Flanagan, a friend 
of the ward boss? Who would feel safe on a 
train if the engine had been selected by Tim- 
othy Peterowski? How would you like to have 
the conductor appointed by the politicians? ” 
We seem to be doing fairly well in the num- 
ber of accidents we have as it is. I suppose 
things might be worse ” 

‘‘You don’t either one of you know what 
you’re talking about,” broke in John. “ What 
you both ought to do now is to get ready for 
dinner. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ ‘ Ho ! muggin ! Ho ! muggin ! From a for- 
eign shore,’ ” murmured John, as he ceased 
talking and began to hum a tune. 

“ Kindly inform us what you are doing, 
J ack, ’ ’ said Larcum. 

“ That, sir, is singing. It’s music.” 

“I’m glad you told us. I wouldn’t have 
known if you hadn’t.” 

“ And what are the words. Jack? I didn’t 
quite catch them,” added Scott. 

“You don’t mean to tell me that you never 
heard those words, ‘ Home again I Home again ! 
From a foreign shore ’? Why ” 


A FACE IN THE THRONG 101 


‘‘ I didn’t recognize your Bostonian accent.” 

‘‘ What do you do it for, anyway? ” de- 
manded Larcum. 

Sing? Oh, just to kill time.” 

Well, I think you’ll succeed. You’ll kill 
time, eternity, and all your friends, too, if you 
use that weapon much longer.” 

Scott,” said John abruptly, ignoring Lar- 
cum ’s suggestion, ‘‘I’m trying to brush up my 
knowledge of English history a bit before we 
start to see the sights. You remember Wallace, 
don’t you? ” 

“ William Wallace? The hero of Scotland? ” 

“ The very one.” 

‘ ‘ Yes, I remember him all right. What about 
him? ” 

“ Who was his mother? I can’t think of her 
name. ’ ’ 

“ I don’t know either.” 

“ I do,” spoke up Larcum promptly. “ Oh, 
you fellows make me worn and wearied,” he 
added, as his friends laughed. “ Just because 
I preferred to leave college at the end of fresh- 
man year to accept my present lucrative posi- 
tion with the T. G. and P., and you two went 
on through sophomore year, you think you know 
pretty much everything, and that I am out in 


102 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the cold. But I can tell you right off who the 
mother of William Wallace was, and that’s 
more than either of you can do with all your 
work in college.” 

Who was she, Larc? ” inquired John con- 
descendingly. 

Mrs. Wallace,” replied Larcum promptly. 

Travel in foreign lands certainly is doing 
great things for you, Larc,” laughed John, as 
the boys departed from their rooms to enter 
the elevator. 

‘‘ This is a lift, boys,” suggested Scott, as 
the car began its descent. 

‘‘Sol have heard. It is like the Englishman 
to call the elevator a lift, because it carries us 
down and not up.” 

“ So does an ‘ elevator ’ — at times,” sug- 
gested John. 

But Larcum made no reply. It was manifest 
that the young giant was in a mood to compare 
everything he saw with similar things in his 
own land. Perhaps he deemed this method the 
one most likely to reveal his patriotism and de- 
votion to the country of his birth. However, if 
this was the condition of Larcum ’s mind, mat- 
ters were made somewhat even by Scott’s at- 
titude, which was one to find in the older conn- 


A FACE IN THE THRONG 103 


try advantages which in his estimation sur- 
passed those of his own home city and land. 

In a brief time the boys were seated in the 
dining-room, and as they glanced about them 
they were confident that many of the people 
present were Americans. 

<< There are some of the Celtic^ s passengers 
here,’’ said John. 

That’s true,” acknowledged Scott. Larc, 
what do you think Lee meant by saying he was 
with Armstrong? He must mean the chap at 
our table on the Celtic. Why, he scarcely said 
a word from the time we sailed out of New York 
harbor.” 

Perhaps he didn’t have any chance,” sug- 
gested Larcum demurely. 

What do you think Lee can be doing with 
him? ” persisted Scott. 

Probably just fell in with him, that’s all.” 

‘ ‘ I never could make out just who or what he 
was, anyway,” joined in John. 

‘‘ You don’t believe there was anything 
wrong, do you? ” asked Scott. 

‘‘ I confess I am suspicious of him,” said 
John. He never looked any one straight in 
the face. He was shifty and ” 

He’s all right,” interrupted Larcum con- 


104 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


fidently. ‘‘You are not sufficiently experi- 
enced. The adumbrant restrictions thrown 
around you in your callow youth have been so 
voluminous, that you are in no condition to 
judge of the psychological convolutions of the 
subconscious entity of any man not placed in 
juxtaposition to your own arbitrary inexperi- 
ence. ^ ’ 

“ Good! Good for you, Larc! You must 
have swallowed the dictionary.’’ 

“ Not exactly,” answered Larcum, in mock 
modesty. “ I did not do that precisely — still 
Daniel was an old friend of the family ” 

“ ‘ Daniel ’! Daniel who? ” interrupted 
John. 

“ Daniel Webster, of course.” 

“ But he didn’t write the dictionary! ” 

“ Oh, he didn’t? ” retorted Larcum scorn- 
fully. “ He didn’t? Perhaps you’ll be kind 
enough to tell us who did write it. ’ ’ 

“ Noah.” 

“ Noah? Noah? ” inquired Larcum in deri- 
sion. “ I guess we know a thing or two, and 
some things besides. You can’t fool me. Noah, 
nothing! Noah built the ark. I learned that 
when I was an infant in arms.” 

When the boys at last departed from the 


A FACE IN THE THRONG 105 


dining-room, they found in the lobby their fel- 
low-travelers from the Celtic, and after greet- 
ings had been exchanged the boys decided to 
go out to the Strand, near-by, and have a ride 
on the top of a London bus. When the bus 
stopped at the corner where they were awaiting 
its coming, all three entered, and climbing the 
circular little stairway made their way to the 
top, where they secured seats. 

This is something like it,’’ exclaimed Lar- 
cum, when the bus resumed its way. But 
think of using horses in this day! Why don’t 
they have a trolley line up this street? Now, 
in Chicago we’d have cars going all the time. 

Why, this is a thoroughfare ” 

^ Wou haven’t come to see anything like Chi- 
cago. It’s London, you know, now,” said 
Scott. 

‘‘Yes, I see. What’s that monument there 
in the middle of the street? ” 

“ That is the limit of London. You know 
the real city has less than thirty thousand peo- 
ple in it.” 

Larcum turned sharply to John, who had 
spoken, and said, “ That’s a good one! Why, 
I’ve known ever since I learned that Noah built 
the ark that London was the largest city in the 


106 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


world. It has now a population of seven mil- 
lion or more. The lieutenant-general at the 
Metropole told me so himself. ’ ^ 

That’s London and all the boroughs,” ex- 
plained Scott. ‘‘ You can’t tell where one ends 
and another begins. Of course, it’s really one 
city, but old London itself is what I’m telling 
you about. I’ve been all over this street before. 
Perhaps you’d like to have me tell you some 
of the interesting places when we come to 
them.” 

Excuse me! I’d rather listen to some one 
who knows! ” retorted Larcum, as he handed 
the driver a sixpence, and said, Would you 
mind pointing out what we ought to see f This 
is the first time we have ever been in London. ’ ’ 

Hare yo’ just from the cyntry? ” inquired 
the driver good-naturedly. 

‘‘ Yes,” laughed Larcum. We’re from 
America.” 

Quite so,” admitted the driver, as he 
slipped the coin into his pocket. ‘ ‘ Hi ’ave two 
brothers m’self in Hamerica.” 

Where are they? ” 

‘‘ One is in Brazil and the other is in Canada. 
Kingston, Hi fawncy, is the name o’ the 
bloomin’ town. ’Ave you hever^been there? ” 


A FACE IN THE THRONG 107 


Not recently,’’ acknowledged Larcum so- 
berly. 

‘ ‘ They tell me they ’ave some ’igh buildings 
in America.” 

‘ ‘ Yes. One in New York is forty-four stories 
high, and ” 

That’s a good one! ” laughed the driver in- 
credulously. Hi ’ave ’eard ” 

Larc! ” interrupted John sharply; who 
is that man standing there on the comer? ” 

Larcum glanced hastily in the direction in 
which his friend pointed, and then with a sharp 
exclamation bade the driver halt, and all three 
boys hastily descended to the street. 


CHAPTER X 

NOVEL SIGHTS 

Tuening eagerly to the corner where the man, 
who had startled the hoys by his unexpected 
appearance, had been standing, they looked 
quickly about them in their desire to find and 
question him. But, apparently, the man had 
disappeared in the crowd. At all events the 
boys were unable to discover him. 

It couldnT have been Armstrong, after all,” 
said Scott thoughtfully. 

It could have been, and it was,” retorted 
Larcum. 

“ What was he doing here, then? Our tele- 
gram from Lee isn’t four hours old, and Lee 
certainly wired us that he was with Arm- 
strong,” suggested John. 

‘‘ That’s what bothers me. We don’t know 
how old Lee’s telegram was. It was waiting for 
us at the Metropole when we registered. I con- 
fess I don’t just like the looks of it,” said Lar- 
cum. 

108 


NOVEL SIGHTS 


109 


You aren’t suspicious of Armstrong, are 
you? ” inquired Scott. 

I am, and I am not. I’ll tell you what we’ll 
do,” Larcum added hastily. You two get on 
a bus and go back to the hotel, or go wherever 
you choose. I’m going to stay here a little 
longer and try to find out something. That fel- 
low, Armstrong, might be a member of the 
Black Hand from his appearance, or he might 
be the long-lost leader of the Forty Thieves.” 

You’ll never find him then, Larc,” declared 
Scott. 

Not if we stand here all night.” 

We’ll stay with you, Larc,” suggested 
John. 

No, you will not! ” said Larcum positively. 
‘‘ This is a case where one head is better than 
two, and I’m going to stay alone.” Meanwhile, 
despite the continued conversation, the young 
giant had been maintaining a careful watch 
upon the throngs on the streets, hoping that 
somewhere he might obtain a glimpse of the 
man whom he was desirous of meeting. That 
Armstrong, if the man whom they had seen was 
indeed he, had not entered a bus Larcum was 
confident. If he was not deceived in that par- 
ticular, then Larcum was convinced that he 


110 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


could not be far away. But why had he disap- 
peared so suddenly? Was it the sight of the 
three boys that had startled him? If so, why 
had he been so eager to avoid meeting them? 
There was no other Armstrong in the published 
list of the Celtic^ s passengers, and there was 
also but one explanation to Lee^s telegram. 
These questions and suggestions had been in 
Larcum’s mind while he was standing on the 
corner of the street with his friends, but they 
had not detracted from the careful watch he 
had maintained on the near-by people. 

Sure you’ll not need us, Larc? ” inquired 
Scott, as he and John began to move from the 
corner. 

‘‘No! No! Go on! Get away from this 
place ! Go back to the hotel and leave me. I ’ll 
probably be with you in an hour or two. ’ ’ 

Instead of returning to the Metropole, how- 
ever, John and Scott, after they had walked 
back a block, once more climbed upon the top of 
a bus and again started down Fleet Street — 
into which the Strand entered. 

As they passed the comer where they had 
been standing with their friend they tried to 
discover him among the assembled people, but 
the young giant was nowhere to be seen. 


NOVEL SIGHTS 


111 


That^s a strange thing for Larc to do/’ 
suggested John thoughtfully. Suppose it 
really was that fellow Armstrong that we saw, 
what difference could it make? He might have 
left Lee.” 

He probably did leave him,” suggested 
Scott dryly. He couldn’t be in York and in 
London at the same time, could he? ” 

You don’t suppose Lee came with him, do 
you? ” 

No.” 

Do you think Larc suspects Armstrong of 
anything wrong? ” 

That I can’t tell you. I don’t know.” 

What could he do, anyway? ” 

‘ ‘ Any one of a dozen different things. I con- 
fess I don’t know just what to make of our find- 
ing Armstrong here. The worst of it is that 
he evidently wanted to get out of our way when 
he saw us. ’ ’ 

Do you think he really did see us? ” 

‘‘ I haven’t the least doubt of it.” 

<< Why did he want to dodge us? ” 

You can answer that question as well as I 
can. ’ ’ 

Well, we can’t do anything now,” suggested 
John. We’ll go on this bus till it comes to 


112 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the end of the line and then well go back on it. 
Perhaps by the time we are in the Metropole 
again Larc will have come back, and he may be 
able to report something. ^ ’ 

Striving to banish the feeling of uneasiness 
which each of the boys experienced, although 
neither was willing to acknowledge it, they both 
strove to interest themselves in the novel sights 
that greeted them. 

That little church right off to the left 
street is the one where the Knights Templar 
used to assemble before they started on the 
crusades. In the church we passed a minute 
or two ago, Harold Harefoot was buried. The 
sight of such places carries one back, doesn’t 
it. Jack? ” said Scott thoughtfully. ‘‘ To think 
we are right on the spot where the men used to 
gather about whom we studied! It certainly 
adds to the interest to see the old places. ’ ’ 

And yonder is St. Paul’s Cathedral, isn’t 
it? ” inquired John, as he pointed to the great 
dome of a lofty building not far in front of them. 

Yes, that’s St. Paul’s. It’s a wonderfully 
impressive old pile. You know, don’t you, that 
its architect was Sir Christopher Wren? ” 

‘‘ Yes. I’ve read the old obituary that ‘ if 
you would behold Sir Christopher’s monument. 


NOVEL SIGHTS 


113 


look about you.’ We must go in there some 
day, Scott,” John added, as the bus swept past 
the stately pile. 

We’ll do that, though I dread to have Larc 
with us.” 

<< Why? ” 

Oh, he hasn’t a bit of sentiment or poetry 
about him. I half believe, ’ ’ Scott added with a 
laugh, that when he gets into the old parts 
— ^where the famous admirals and painters of 
England are buried — that he will suggest to 
the guide that the old stones need repairing.” 

Perhaps they do,” said John lightly. 

It’s not the repairs we want, but the thing 
to be repaired. Now we’re coming to the busi- 
ness streets — the money centers of London. 
Yonder is the Mansion House where the lord 
mayor lives.” 

What is his term? How often is he 
elected? ” 

^ ^ Every year. ’ ’ 

And yet some people think we have too 
much politics in America ! ’ ’ 

<< There’s the Bank of England. Do you no- 
tice what a peculiar building it is? There isn’t 
a window in it.” 

How is it lighted? ” 


114 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ From tlie inner court/’ 

a There’s the Eoyal Stock Exchange almost 
diagonally opposite. You can read the inscrip- 
tion over the entrance — ‘ The earth is the Lord’s 
and the fulness thereof.’ What do you think 
of that? ” 

‘‘I’m wondering what the ‘ lambs ’ think of 
it when they are pitched down the front steps 
by the horns of the wild ‘ bulls,’ or are clawed 
by the ‘ bears.’ ” 

“ We’re going into Threadneedle Street 
now, ’ ’ explained Scott, as the bus turned into a 
narrow street, which was lined with banking- 
houses. Branches of famous houses that had 
their home offices in various lands were here 
seen, and the sight of such a famous money 
center was deeply interesting to both young 
travelers. 

“ Off there, on that little street to the right, 
is the office of the American consul at London. 
If we get into trouble of any kind we can go 
there for help.” Although neither of the boys 
gave expression to his thoughts, nevertheless, 
each was thinking of Larcum, and of his deter- 
mination to seek for Armstrong. 

“ The streets are quiet now,” suggested 
Scott. “You can’t judge of what the bank, or 


NOVEL SIGHTS 


115 


the exchange, or Threadneedle Street, or Lom- 
bard Street in the daytime are like. ’ ’ 

Are they as bnsy as Wall Street or State 
Street? 

Yes, but there isn’t as much noise or rush. 
A good many of the men wear silk hats and 
frock coats when they come in the morning to 
their offices. IVe seen little fellows, not more 
than ten years of age, wearing high hats, 
too.” 

And frock coats? ” inquired John with a 
laugh. 

Not quite so bad as that.” 

I should think a high hat and a little bob- 
tailed jacket would make a striking combina- 
tion. ’ ’ 

Oh, it does. The little chaps are as solemn 
as owls. There’s one thing the English have 
learned to do better than we have.” 

What’s that? ” 

‘‘ They have learned how to live.” 

What do you mean? ” 

They don’t wear themselves out the way 
Americans do. They don’t get excited easily; 
they don’t use any unnecessary words, and they 
stop every little while to get their breath. 
You’ll notice before we have been here very 


116 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


long, that the English are not profane; they 
think that is childish, vulgar, and shows a lack 
of refinement and breeding on the part of the 
man that uses such words. The one who talks 
that way is like a spoiled child or an untutored 
savage, the English think. Then they haven’t 
so much slang as we have. That gives them an 
opportunity to learn how to use words cor- 
rectly.” 

Yet, I read only the other day that a pro- 
fessor in one of the German universities main- 
tained that the most correct, as well as the 
best English in the world to-day, is heard in 
America. ’ ’ 

I wonder what J. Bull has to say to that? ” 
laughed Scott. 

‘‘ He has divers words,” said John. One 
of the professors at Oxford laughed the Ger- 
man to scorn. He said he was convinced that 
the English people at least knew how to speak 
their own language.” 

Still the Englishman is a pretty good speci- 
men to see,” suggested Scott. 

That is true. He has every appearance of 
being almost as strong, and hale, and confident 
that he is the best yet, as if he really were. In 
these offices the men — including the entire of- 


NOVEL SIGHTS 


117 


fice force — knock oif work in the middle of the 
afternoon, and every one is served with tea. ^ ’ 

Just fancy doing a thing like that in New 
York! ’’ said John laughing heartily. My 
last impression of New York is the sight of 
people rushing down the pier where the Celtic 
was lying. 

Don’t forget the hoisting of the fat woman. 
I’ll never forget that.” 

Even she did appear to be in some haste.” 

We’ll go back now,” said Scott, as the bus, 
after a brief stop at the end of its course, re- 
sumed its route. 

When the boys arrived at the street corner 
where Larcum had left them, they peered 
eagerly about, looking for their friend, but not 
a glimpse of him were they able to obtain. 

‘‘ It’s hard to realize that it is past nine 
o’clock,” suggested John, as he glanced at his 
watch. It’s still so light.” 

‘‘ You forget that we are almost as far north 
as Labrador.” 

I hadn’t forgotten, but it is strange to be 
able to see all along the street at this time of 
night.” 

I wish we might see Larc somewhere.” 

Or Armstrong,” suggested John. 


118 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Neither of the boys spoke for a time, and the 
riimhling bus rolled forward on its way. The 
streets were by no means deserted, although the 
crowds on them were less dense than in the day- 
time. The boys were watching the moving 
throngs, and also gazing with interest at the 
buildings they were passing. 

‘ ‘ There are the law courts on our right, ^ ^ re- 
marked Scott, as the bus drew near Temple Bar. 
The gray buildings with their towers and tur- 
rets were somber, almost forbidding or threat- 
ening in the light which now was becoming dim- 
mer. Behind those buildings is the ‘ Old 
Curiosity Shop,’ ” explained Scott. ‘‘We’ll 
see it to-morrow or sometime pretty soon. Al- 
most all the old buildings of the neighborhood 
have been torn down, and new ones put up, but 
the Old Curiosity Shop has been left as it was 
when Dickens wrote about Little Nell and her 
life there. We ” 

Scott stopped abruptly in his narrative when 
his friend clutched him fiercely by the arm. 
“ Isn’t that Larc right there by the gate? ” 
John whispered. “ And who is that with 
him? ” 

“ Armstrong,” responded Scott quickly. 
“I’m afraid they’re having trouble. Come on. 


NOVEL SIGHTS 


119 


Jack ! We’ll leave the bus and find out what it 
means.” 

The two boys hastily alighted as soon as the 
bus halted, and then they turned back toward 
the place where they had perceived the missing 
Larcum. 


CHAPTER XI 


A PUZZLING NAME 

There’s sometliing wrong, Scott,” said 
John, as the two boys drew near their friend 
and his companion. ^ ‘ Look at them ! ’ ’ 

The huge Larcum was standing back from 
the curb, and beside him was a man whom they 
both recognized as Armstrong. The latter was 
talking rapidly, something neither had ever 
known him to do before, and in his excitement 
he was manifestly protesting strongly. 

What is it, Larc? ” demanded Scott, as the 
two boys approached. 

That’s just what I’m trying to find out,” 
growled Larcum. 

You may settle it among yourselves,” said 
Armstrong tartly. I don’t intend to stand 
here any longer. ’ ’ 

Don’t be in such haste, my friend,” warned 
Larcum. 

Armstrong laughed derisively, and turned as 
if he was about to depart. 

120 


A PUZZLING NAME 


121 


Wait a minute! ” exclaimed Larcum, plac- 
ing his hand on the shoulder of the man. ^ ‘ Tell 
my friends here what you have just told me.’’ 

Do you want me to appeal to the police? ” 
snarled Armstrong, although he apparently 
abandoned his expressed intention to depart. 

‘‘ If you wish,” retorted Larcum. I can 
call a policeman for you if you’d rather have 
me do it.” 

What is it you want to know? ” snapped 
the young man angrily. 

‘‘ I want you to tell my friends what you just 
now told me.” 

What is that? ” 

Where is Lee Harris? ” 

I don’t know him; and so, of course, I don’t 
know where he is. ’ ’ 

You haven’t seen him since we left the 
Celtic? ” 

No.” 

John and Scott both glanced questioningly 
and in surprise at Larcum, but neither spoke, 
both preferring to leave the conversation to 
their friend. 

How did you come to London? ” demanded 
Larcum. 

By train.” 


122 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


When did yon arrive! ’’ 

IVe just come/’ 

When did yon arrive! ” repeated Larcum. 
About an hour ago.” 

Where are you staying! ” 

‘ ‘ At a hotel not far from here ! ’ ’ 

What hotel is it! ” 

i < Thackeray. I left my bags in my 

room and came out for a little stroll. I don’t 
see what it is to you, anyway ! You haven’t any 
right to hold me up on the street and talk to 
me this way. And what’s more, I don’t intend 
to stand it, either ! ’ ’ Still Armstrong, in spite 
of his vigorous words, did not make any attempt 
to break away. The little group was quiet, and 
the conversation was carried on in such low 
tones that none of the passers-by gave them 
more than a glance of curiosity in passing. 

It’s strange that an American should be so 
angry just because he is asked a few simple 
questions by one of his own countrymen, ’ ’ said 
Larcum. We have had word of you since 
we came, and there may be another telegram 
for us at the hotel by the time we get back.” 

Plainly the statement was somewhat startling 
to Armstrong, but his momentary glance of 
alarm instantly was checked, and in apparent 


A PUZZLING NAME 


123 


indifference he said: I can’t help it if yon 
have received a dozen telegrams! That’s 
nothing to me ! I stand merely upon my rights, 
and I don’t intend to let any young sports in- 
terfere.” 

‘‘ Of course you don’t,” said Larcum sooth- 
ingly. Permit me, however, to repeat one of 
my questions. Have you seen Lee Harris since 
he left the Celtic? ” 

How should I see him? I told you I don’t 
even know who he is.” 

‘ ‘ And yet for nearly eight days he sat at the 
same table with you in the dining-saloon of the 
Celtic,’’ suggested John. 

You mean that other young fellow with 
you? ” asked Armstrong in apparent surprise. 

Is he the one? Why didn’t you say so long 
ago? ” 

Have you seen him? ” again inquired Lar- 
cum. 

‘‘ I think I saw him on the dock at Liver- 
pool.” 

‘‘ That’s fine! Did you see him on the 
train? ” 

In the dim light Scott was convinced that he 
saw the man give one startled glance at Lar- 
cum, but as it was instantly checked, Scott was 


124 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 

by no means positive, and was almost inclined 
to doubt bis own impression. 

‘‘ No, I didn^t see him on the train,’’ said 
the man slowly. What’s the matter with 
him? Has anything happened to him? Is he 
the one that telegraphed you about me? ” 

I don’t know that we need detain you any 
longer, Mr. Armstrong,” said Larcum, ignoring 
the question. You have given us your ad- 
dress in London, and if we want anything more 
we can call you up there. Did you say how 
long you intend to remain? ” 

‘‘ Not any longer than I have to,” replied 
Armstrong, laughing uneasily, although it was 
plain that he was trying to appear indifferent. 

‘ ‘ How long will that be ? ” 

I can’t say.” 

“ A week? A month? A year? ” 

‘ ^ A day or two — perhaps three ; but no longer 
if I am able to do what I want in that time. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Then we can find you or leave word at your 
hotel if we want to see you again, can we ? ” in- 
quired Larcum in apparent cordiality. 
Certainly.” 

‘‘ Then we’ll bid you good evening, Mr. Arm- 
strong, ’ ’ said Larcum, as he released his grasp. 
Pray pardon our seeming discourtesy. We 


A PUZZLING NAME 


125 


are so deeply interested in every passenger of 
the Celtic that we, perhaps, seemed to be alto- 
gether too cordial in our greeting. Please par- 
don us.’’ 

‘‘ G^ood night! ” exclaimed Armstrong 
abruptly, at once turning away and disappear- 
ing in the crowd. 

What is it, Larc? ” inquired Scott in excite- 
ment, when the boys were left to themselves. 

I don’t just know,” said Larcum quickly. 

I suspect there is plenty that isn’t just as it 
should be. You boys put straight back to our 
hotel and telegraph Lee again. Send a mes- 
sage to every hotel in York. Tell him, too, to 
wire an immediate reply.” 

To what! ” asked John. 

To your message.” 

What shall we say in our message! ” said 
Scott. 

Ask Lee where he is, and if he is all right. 
You’d better sit up and wait for me in our 
rooms or in the lobby.” 

Where are you going, Larc! ” demanded 
Scott. 

‘‘ I am going to look up some things. It’s 
time I started, too,” said Larcum, as he at 
once turned away from his friends and walked 


126 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


rapidly in the direction in which Armstrong 
had departed, stopping only to make inquiries 
twice concerning the location of the hotel which 
Armstrong had named as the one at which he 
was stopping. Larcum proceeded swiftly on 
his way, and in a brief time arrived at the place 
which he was seeking. 

Glancing quickly about him as he entered, he 
did not see the man whom he was following. 
Striving to appear inditferent, he then went to 
the office of the clerk, and quietly explaining 
that he was looking for the name of an acquaint- 
ance, he began to read the list of arrivals. Twice 
he read through the names registered for the 
day, but that of Armstrong was not in the num- 
ber. 

He does not appear to have arrived,’’ said 
Larcum quietly, as he turned away from the 
desk. I think I’ll take a seat for a little while 
and wait.” 

Any message you would like to leave, sir? ” 
inquired the clerk. 

No, I thank you.” 

‘‘ Would you like to leave your name and ad- 
dress? We can call you up on the ’phone when 
your friend arrives. ’ ’ 

Thank you. I’ll wait a little while first,” 


A PUZZLING NAME 


127 


replied Larcum, as he turned away to seek a 
seat from which he would be able to see the 
faces of those who might enter the hotel or de- 
part from it. 

When he was left to himself Larcum tried to 
think carefully of the conditions that confronted 
him. He had not informed his friends of all 
that had occurred in his interview with Arm- 
strong, nor of the attempt the man made not 
only to evade him, but also to pass himself otf 
as a stranger when he had found it impossible 
to escape the young giant. Were his suspicions 
unfounded? Was he only magnifying the pos- 
sibility of Lee’s peril? When he recalled the 
message Lee had sent, its meaning was not by 
any means clear. Lee was no weakling, and in 
many ways abundantly able to take care of him- 
self — of that Larcum was fully aware. But Lee 
was a stranger in a strange land. And Arm- 
strong had not only aroused Larcum ’s suspi- 
cions by his shifty manner during the voyage, 
but now even if the suspicions then aroused 
were founded chiefly upon prejudice, it was no 
less difficult to account for the man’s statement 
that he had registered at the hotel in which 
Larcum was now waiting. 

Perhaps Armstrong had registered under a 


128 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


false or assumed name. The suggestion was 
so startling that the young American sat quickly 
erect, and then arose to go once more to the 
clerk’s desk. It was more probable, however, 
that the man had gone to some other hotel, and 
had not come to the Thackeray at all. The sec- 
ond suggestion was sufficient to cause Larcum 
to resume his seat. Uncertain as he was as to 
the outcome of his visit, he nevertheless decided 
to remain where he then was for an hour or two 
before he rejoined his friends at the Metropole. 
He would at least satisfy himself that the man 
he was seeking really was not there. 

A half-hour passed and not a glimpse of Arm- 
strong had Larcum obtained. Impatient over 
the delay, and yet not willing to abandon his 
search, he at last arose and once more went to 
the clerk. 

Has your friend arrived? ” the clerk in- 
quired politely. 

I haven’t seen him,” replied Larcum. 
‘ ^ Perhaps he might have come and has not yet 
registered. He is a very dark man, smooth- 
faced, has a very thin, light voice — and wears a 
suit of dark gray. Part of the time he wears 
nose glasses ” 

Is he an American? ” broke in the clerk. 


A PUZZLING NAME 


129 


‘‘ Yes, sir.’’ 

‘‘ There was a gentleman that answered your 
description who came here just before dinner. 
He took a room, but about three-quarters of an 
hour ago he gave up his room, paid his bill, and 
went away. He said he had unexpectedly re- 
ceived word from a friend and was leaving to 
join him.” 

Hid he say where his friend was? ” in- 
quired Larcum eagerly. 

‘‘ No, sir.” 

‘‘ What was the name of this man — this 
American? ” 

‘‘ White, as I recall it,” replied the clerk, re- 
ferring to the registry list of arrivals as he 
spoke. Yes, that is it,” he added, as he found 
the name for which he was searching. ^ ‘ ‘ Rob- 
ert White, San Francisco.’ You did not give 
me your friend’s name or I might have saved 
you your delay. Is that the name ? ’ ’ 

‘‘ Let me see,” replied Larcum slowly, as he 
glanced at the name on the list before him. He 
was puzzled to know what was best to be done. 
The description which the clerk had given cor- 
responded closely to the appearance of Arm- 
strong, and Larcum already had thought of the 
possibility of the man registering under a false 


130 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


name. He decided to act under that supposi- 
tion and said, I don’t understand why Mr. 
White did not leave his address. I don’t know 
just where to look for him? ” 

‘ ^ Then you were not the friend who sent him 
his message? ” 

No, sir.” 

‘‘I’m sorry I can’t help you. You might try 
the head porter. Occasionally a guest leaves 
his address with the porter instead of with us.” 

“ Thank you,” replied Larcum, as he turned 
away. Approaching the head porter, he in- 
quired, “ Did Mr. WTiite — Mr. Robert White, 
of San Francisco — leave any address with 
you? ” 

“ Yezzir,” replied the porter, as he drew out 
his little book of addresses. “ He told me to 
for’ard his luggage to the Kylton.” 

“ In his own name? ” 

“ No, zir. In care of Boyd Armstrong. His 
box has already gone.” 


CHAPTEE XII 


A PROBLEM 

Thanking the porter, and adding a tip for the 
information which he had received, Larcnm 
hastily departed from the hotel and at once 
made his way to the street. He was excited by 
the word he had received, and the change of his 
name by Armstrong convinced Larcnm that his 
suspicions had been well founded. 

Hailing an electric bus, Larcnm obtained a 
seat, and while he was returning up the Strand 
he thought carefully over his next move. It 
was like a game, and had it not been for his 
feeling of uneasiness for Lee, he would have en- 
joyed the experience. As it was, the thought 
that now he knew that Armstrong under his 
own name was to be at the Carlton — the ^ ‘ Kyl- 
ton ’’ of the porter who had informed him — 
was a source of satisfaction. The knowledge, 
too, that Armstrong had left directions for his 
trunk or box ’’ to be forwarded, confirmed 
Larcnm in his feeling of confidence. 

131 


132 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


It was, therefore, with something of a feeling 
of elation that about eleven o’clock he returned 
to the Metropole. His friends were awaiting 
his arrival in the lobby, and as soon as he en- 
tered they both joined him. 

Did you find him? ” inquired John eagerly, 
when the three boys withdrew to a corner of the 
reading-room. 

Yes.” 

What did he have to say for himself? ” in- 
quired Scott. 

Nothing.” 

Scott laughed as he said, You had your 
trouble for your pains. ’ ’ 

Didn’t he say anything, Larc? ” asked 
John, who was aware by his friend’s manner 
that all had not been told. 

Not to me. I didn’t speak to him, nor he 
to me.” 

“ You said you found him. Why didn’t you 
say something to him then, if you had such a, 
chance? ” 

‘ ‘ I ought to have said that I found the place 
where he had been staying — for an hour or two. 
He came to the hotel where he told us he was 
staying and registered under the name of Eob- 
ert White, of San Francisco. After he saw us 


A PROBLEM 


133 


on the street he went back to the hotel, paid his 
bill, and left.’’ 

Didn’t you see him, Larc? ” asked Scott. 
He and J ohn were alert now, for the quiet state- 
ment of the young giant had aroused both boys. 

‘‘ No.” 

Too bad he got away from you.” 

He didn’t.” 

‘‘ I don’t understand,” said Scott. 

I had an interview with the head porter. 
He told me that this Eobert White had ordered 
his trunk to be sent to the Carlton, in care of a 
man named Boyd Armstrong. ’ ’ 

Is he at the Carlton now? ” 

I haven’t been there.” 

Come on! Let’s go right over there! ” 
suggested Scott quickly, as he arose. 

‘‘ No,” replied Larcum; ‘‘ I’ve thought it all 
out. Either Armstrong will leave the hotel at 
once, or he’ll stay for a day or two. I am in- 
clined to think that is what he will do. ’ ’ 

What? Stay a day or so? ” 

Yes,” answered Larcum. I may be mis- 
taken. But if we go over there now, really we 
haven ’t anything more than a suspicion to bring 
against him. That might work all right this 
evening, out there on the Strand, but one can’t 


134 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


go into a hotel and hold up a man just because 
you suspect he has been doing something 
crooked. On the other hand, if he does not see 
us for a little while he may drop his scare and 
let himself be a little more natural. And that is 
exactly what we want. If we lie low for a day, 
we shall soon find out everything we want to 
know. ’ ’ 

‘‘ What’ll we do if he gets away? ” inquired 
Scott dubiously. 

Do the best we can.” 

Anything more then that we can do to- 
night? ” asked John. 

‘‘ Yes. We’ll wire the manager of each hotel 
in York to send us word if Lee is registered 
there. We’ll do that right away.” 

Come on, then,” exclaimed Scott. 

A half-hour afterward, when the messages 
had been sent, the boys retired to their rooms. 
Despite the excitement due to the experiences 
of the day, and their uneasiness for the absent 
Lee, all three, being wholesomely tired, slept 
soundly until the broad light of full morning 
awoke them. 

John was the first of the trio to descend in 
the lift, and he went at once to the office to in- 
quire for telegrams. His disappointment was 


A PROBLEM 


135 


keen when he was informed that no messages 
had been received. When he reported to his 
friends, and the three boys sought their table 
in the dining-room, John’s feeling was largely 
shared by his companions. 

‘‘ What can we do next? ” asked Larcum 
thoughtfully. 

We might start this morning for York,” 
suggested John. It can’t he a ride of more 
than six or seven hours at the most. ’ ’ 

And one of us might go back to Liverpool 
and look there. It may he that Lee didn’t go to 
York at all,” suggested Scott. 

Why, he wired us from York! ” said John. 

Did he? How do you know he did? ” 

‘‘We had his message.” 

“ Have you thought that Armstrong might 
have sent that? ” 

“No,” replied John; both he and Larcum 
staring blankly at Scott. 

“ A forged telegram is a pretty serious mat- 
ter, ’ ’ suggested Larcum. 

“ Well, now let’s think over the possible 
causes of Armstrong having trouble with Lee. 
I confess I didn’t believe that Larc was on any- 
thing but a wild-goose chase when he went after 
Armstrong as he did ; but when he really found 


136 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


out that the man had registered under a false 
name, and changed his hotel, as well as his 
name, after he saw us, why, then I began to 
suspect that a gentleman of color might actually 
be hiding somewhere in the wood-pile. What 
have you thought of, Larc? 

I haven’t thought of anything direct. I al- 
ways suspected the fellow even when we were 
on the Celtic, I didn’t like him, though I 
couldn’t have told any one why. About the 
only thing I’ve thought of was the possibility 
of his getting Lee’s money away from him. 
Lee may be stranded up north somewhere with- 
out a cent in his pockets.” 

You mean without a penny, Larc,” sug- 
gested Scott dryly. Please be a little more 
careful in your use of English, or some one may 
take you for an American.” 

‘ ‘ Let him take me ! ” spoke up Larcum 
warmly. ‘‘ That’s what I am, and I don’t care 
who knows it — the more the better. I’m not 
ashamed of my country, I’d have you know! 
Compared with this moth-eaten old burg, where 
anything isn’t of any account unless it’s so old 
that it ought to have been buried centuries ago, 
I ” 

‘‘ Never mind that, Larc. We all know you 


A PROBLEM 


137 


are from Chicago, and yon won have to adver- 
tise the fact. Jack, what do yon think may be 
Armstrong’s reason! ” broke in Scott. 

For having tronhle with Lee! Oh, I don’t 
know that I can think of any — that is, nnless it 
was ” 

Was what! ” demanded Scott, as his friend 
hesitated. 

He may have been jealons of Lee,” sng- 
gested John qnietly. 

Becanse of Mary Goodman! ” 

‘‘ Yes. Yon know as well as I do that ” 

That’s too simple to talk abont! ” inter- 
rnpted Larcnm. No one but a philosopher 
from ^ Bosting ’ wonld work ont snch a pro- 
fonnd proposition as that. Lee isn’t snch a 
fool as yon think he is. Yen’ll have him 
started for Ireland to meet the Goodmans on 
their way the next thing yon snggest. That 
will be jnst as reasonable.” 

I’m not altogether certain that isn’t the ex- 
planation of Lee’s disappearance,” said John 
demnrely. He is the most impnlsive fellow 
alive, and it wonld not snrprise me in the least 
to receive word that Lee was somewhere among 
the bogs of Ireland at this very time, while we 
are working onr brains into fragments trying 


138 FOVE BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


to rescue Mm from a supposed conspiracy. Yes, 
he is probably in Ireland! 

‘‘ If I thought he was, I’d drop Armstrong 
and all his works ! ’ ’ exclaimed Larcum, fer- 
vently. 

Jack,” suggested Scott, ‘‘ if Lee ran off to 
Ireland to join the Goodman party, how do you 
explain Armstrong’s peculiar actions! ” 

‘‘ I don’t know,” John admitted, unless it 
is that he didn ’t have anything at all to do with 
Lee. We may all of us be suspecting him of 
something he does not know anything about. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Or he may have done something else, and 
suspects that we suspect him of that, ’ ’ suggested 
Larcum. 

‘‘ What’s your own guess, Scott? ” inquired 
John. 

I wonder if either of you have thought of 
Armstrong in connection with Lee’s object in 
coming to England. You see he sat at the same 
table with us, and though no one could say that 
he was very social, still he was almost always 
to be relied upon to show up wherever we hap- 
pened to be. Then, one day when I went to our 
staterooms alone, I found Armstrong there.” 

Why didn’t you tell us that long ago? ” de- 
manded Larcum sharply. 


A PROBLEM 


139 


It never occurred to me that it meant any- 
thing special,’’ replied Scott. The fellow 
was very calm and collected, and he just said, 
‘ Fine rooms you boys have, Mr. Gordon. I 
took the liberty of looking within when I found 
the steward or you boys had left the door open.’ 
I laughed, and told him he was welcome to our 
humble abode. I didn’t suspect him of any- 
thing wrong; such a thing didn’t even occur to 
me. Besides, I knew that we had put all our 
money and valuables in the care of the purser. 
Since we landed, however, and Larcum has 
been on his trail, I have thought of these 
things. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Why would Lee’s project interest Arm- 
strong? ” inquired Larcum. 

That I don’t know. I don’t even know that 
it does; but in thinking over all the possible 
reasons Armstrong might have for making 
trouble for Lee, I have thought of this one 
among others.” 

‘ ‘ Did Lee have any papers ? ’ ’ inquired J ohn. 

“ I don’t know.” 

Probably not,” said Larcum. The pa- 
pers would all be left over here for him to get 
when he came. ’ ’ 

Do you think he would come without any 


140 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


papers to show what he was coming for? ’’ asked 
Scott. 

‘ ‘ He might have had a letter to identify him, 
or something of that kind, but he would not be 
likely to have more than a notification from the 
English lawyer,’^ said John. 

‘‘ No, I can^t see anything in what you say, 
Scott, added Larcum. And yet I am just 
as sure that Armstrong is a rascal as I am 
that I am sitting here. Even if he hasn’t done 
Lee any harm, he ought to be hanged for the 
good of his country.” 

About the only thing I heard him say at 
the table was something in that line, Larc,” 
laughed Scott. One day Mrs. Goodman po- 
litely asked him if his trip abroad was for busi- 
ness or for pleasure.” 

What did the fellow say? ” asked Larcum. 

‘‘ Oh, he said it was for neither. He was 
taking the trip just for the sake of the health 
of his wife.” 

That wasn’t bad,” growled Larcum. It 
strikes me he’s capable of that. He takes the 
trip and leaves his wife at home — for her health. 
He looked like a self-sacrificing, generous chap ! 
Going abroad for his wife’s health ! Humph ! ” 

‘‘ That isn’t quite the way he explained it,” 


A PROBLEM 


141 


laughed Scott. ‘ ^ Armstrong said he was tired 
out and wasn’t fit to live with. He said he knew 
he was so nervous and irritable, that even for 
him to be in his own house was more than his 
wife could bear. So he just took the ocean 
voyage to rest up, give his wife a rest, and then 
he’d come back home another man. He would 
be fit then and his wife’s health improved.” 

I guess his ‘ fit ’ was all right,” remarked 
Larcum grimly. Now let’s decide what we’ll 
do. What do you say. Jack? ” 

Wait till noon for an answer to some of our 
telegrams.” 

What is your idea, Scott? ” 

It won’t be necessary for all three of us to 
do the waiting. One of us can do that if he will 
try real hard.” 

‘‘ What’ll the others do? ” 

‘‘You and I can go over to the Carlton — it 
isn’t very far away. It’s just the other side of 
Trafalgar Square. Jack can wait here till we 
come back. ’ ’ 

“ We’d better find out first whether or not 
any telegrams have come,” suggested John, as 
the three young travelers arose and together 
passed out from the dining-room, and then went 
to the hotel office. 


CHAPTER Xni 


A LESSON 

The boys were informed in response to their 
inquiries that no telegrams had been received 
for any of them. The information was depres- 
sing, and for a time the young travelers re- 
mained in the lobby of the hotel, still somewhat 
undecided what next to do. 

‘‘I’m beginning to be anxious,” said John. 
“I’m really afraid something has happened. 
I can’t understand why Lee does not send some 
word.” 

“ You forget that it wasn’t very long ago 
when we did hear, ’ ’ suggested Larcum. 

“ It seems like weeks instead of hours,” said 
John gloomily. “ Did Armstrong really say 
that he had not seen Lee ? ’ ’ 

“ He said he hadn’t.” 

“ Do you think he told the truth? ” 

“ That I can’t say. He has the appearance 
of a man who might do that occasionally, if he 
tried hard. I wouldn ’t vouch for it or for him. ’ ’ 
143 


A LESSON 


143 


“ Don^t you feel anxious about Lee, Larc? 
inquired Scott. 

I do,’’ replied Larcum promptly. In 
fact, I am so anxious that I am going with you 
to the Carlton right away. Jack,” he added, 
‘ ‘ you stay here and wait for the telegrams ! ’ ’ 
‘ ^ If any come, shall I bring them over to the 
Carlton? ” 

‘‘No; stay here. One of us anyway will be 
back here soon. You might miss us if you took 
it over there. Come on, Scott! ” 

Larcum and Scott at once departed from the 
hotel, leaving their friend there to receive any 
message that Lee might send. It was agreed 
that if any information was obtained at the 
Carlton, then one of them would at once come 
back for John. In any event, they promised 
him that he should soon hear from them. 

“ Just imagine,” said Scott, as he and his 
companion walked up the street, “ what it 
means for one man to have the ground rent of 
six hundred acres here in the west of London. ’ ’ 
“ Who has it? ” 

“ The Duke of Westminster.” 

“ How did he get it? ” 

“ Oh, that’s a part of English history and 
English law and custom. He has estates of 


144 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


thousands of acres in England, Wales, Scotland, 
and I don ^t know what all. The very Houses of 
Parliament here in London are said to be on his 
land, and a rental is paid him every year. I 
have heard that he has the largest personal in- 
come in the United Kingdom.’^ 

I should think he might have,’’ growled 
Larcum. What a way! I’m glad I live in 
the ‘ land of the free and the home of the 
brave.’ ” 

‘‘ Where the land is not held by any one 
family? ” laughed Scott. 

That’s right.” 

What about the thousands of acres the 
railroads in America hold? ” 

That was a special grant,” retorted Lar- 
cum warmly. It was done to encourage the 
railroads when they built through a country 
where redskins and jackrabbits were almost the 
only, inhabitants. ’ ’ 

Don’t get excited, Larc,” said Scott sooth- 
ingly. We all know the railroads were just 
purely philanthropic enterprises. The mag- 
nates were not thinking of anything except the 
good of the country. ’ ’ 

Never you mind the railroads! It was all 
done by law, and the grant of the sections of 


A LESSON 145 

land was made by Congress. It^s all right, I 
tell you. ’ ^ 

‘ ^ Probably these grants over here were made 
‘ according to law,^ too. I confess that way of 
doing things doesn’t appeal to me. But before 
I try to pluck the beam out of my neighbor’s 
eye, I’m a bit anxious to extract painlessly, yet 
with all due expedition, the mote that is repos- 
ing in my own ocular orifice. Don’t we have 
any large landholders in America? Is there 
any family you ever heard of in New York, for 
example, that holds and has held a few inches of 

real estate? Now be honest, Larc ” 

I am honest,” broke in Larcum. I’m not 
upholding everything at home. I am big 
enough to see a mountain with a hole in it. 
But even if what you say is true, you’ll have 
to admit that there is such a thing with us as 
the possibility of a change. No man or family 
can keep a grip there, unless it is deserved. 
Why, ^ from shirt-sleeves to shirt-sleeves is only 
three generations.’ A man makes a fortune, 
his children spend it, and his grandchildren 
have to begin all over again.” 

‘‘ Do they? ” said Scott quizzically. May- 
be it’s true that the third generation in Amer- 
ica does get back to ^ shirt-sleeves,’ as you say; 


146 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


but I Ve noticed very frequently that the sleeves 
of the third generation are usually of silk, and 
that if they are rolled back over the arms it is 
because the grandchildren are playing polo or 
tennis, or something like that. It is not be- 
cause the owners are digging in the dirt or do- 
ing anything that really counts.’’ 

Don’t you believe it ” 

Ah, my dear Larcum, I do believe it. This 
is Trafalgar Square we are passing now,” con- 
tinued Scott. Isn’t that monument to Nelson 
a beauty? And those bronze crouching lions — 
they were designed by Landseer. Aren’t they 
superb? ” 

‘‘ Who was Nelson? ” inquired Larcum, his 
eyes twinkling as he spoke. 

‘ ‘ Why — ^why — everybody has heard of him. ’ ’ 
Have they? Well, who was he? ” 

<< Why, he was the British admiral who won 
the victory at Trafalgar.” 

‘ Victory ’? Victory over what? ” 

‘‘ Over the combined fleets of France and 
Spain.” 

What did they combine for? ” 

<< Why — why — to protect the fleet.” 

‘‘ What fleet? ” persisted Larcum merci- 
lessly. 



“Who was Nelson?” 


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A LESSON 


147 


The fleet — why the fleet — that was — the one 
that was convoying the soldiers.’^ 

What soldiers? ’’ demanded Larcum, inter- 
posing his huge body between his friend and 
the base of the monument, so that Scott was 
not able to see the inscription on the bronze 
tablets. 

Napoleon ^s, I think,’’ stammered Scott. 

‘‘ What Napoleon? ” 

The Great. The little corporal of Corsica. 
You know as well as I do. That’s the great 
National Gallery over there, Larc,” said Scott, 
pointing to some imposing stone buildings, 
whose walls were dark and grim from the smoke 
and fogs of many years. We’ll go in there 
some day and see the flnest collection of paint- 
ings in the kingdom, and one of the best in the 
world.” 

‘‘No you don’t, Scott, I’m taking one thing 
at a time, and everything decently and in order. 
You have aroused my curiosity by what you 
told me about this monument. If I am to be 
little Eollo and you the wise and omniscient Mis- 
ter George, then I’m going to get the worth of 
my money. See? Now, if that was the fleet 
that guarded the ships that carried the men 
that Napoleon sent to England, what I want 


148 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


to know is, what were they going to England 
for? 

‘ ^ To invade it, I suppose. ’ ’ 

< < "Why did they want to invade it ? ’ ’ 

Napoleon wanted England.^’ 

What for? persisted Larcum mercilessly. 

Ambition, I suppose. He wanted to be the 
ruler of all Europe 

What for? ’’ 

No one knows, any more than he does why 
the president of the T. G. and P. E. E. wants to 
add the B. and C., the G. P., and the Dutchtown 
Central to his system. Can you explain that to 
me? 

<< Why is this monument dedicated to Nel- 
son? 

He was the commander of the British 
fleets.’^ 

“ Did he win the fight? ’’ 

‘‘ Yes.^^ 

I thought he was killed in the battle.’’ 

He was.” 

Then he didn’t win it, did he? I think the 
monument ought to be for the men that won 
and lived, not for the men that lost and died.” 

It was Lord Nelson’s fleet. It was his 
brain that directed everything. He was the 


A LESSON 


149 


man who planned the whole fight. If it hadn’t 
been for Nelson, Trafalgar never would have 
been won.” 

How do you know? ” 

‘ ‘ Oh, Larc ! Everybody knows that. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Do they? What was Nelson’s last word to 
his men? ” 

I don’t think I ever heard it.” 

‘ ^ It was : ‘ England expects every man to do 
his duty.’ ” 

^ ‘ Thank you, ’ ’ said Scott, a trifle uneasily. 

‘‘ You’re welcome. How high is that figure 
of Nelson on the top of the monument? ” 

^ ^ I don ’t know that I ever heard its size men- 
tioned. ’ ’ 

Seventeen feet high,” said Larcum soberly. 
How many men were in Napoleon’s army that 
was on board the transports you’ve been talking 
about? ” 

^ ‘ I never heard. ’ ’ 

One hundred and seventy-two thousand in- 
fantry and nine thousand cavalry. How many 
transports were there in Napoleon’s fleet? ” 

I don’t know,” acknowledged Scott. 

Just two thousand, four hundred and thir- 
teen. How high is the column of this monu- 
ment on Trafalgar Square? ” 


150 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ I can’t tell yon.” 

Then I’ll have to tell you. It’s one hun- 
dred and forty-five feet. Who erected the 
monument, and what did it cost? ” - 

I’ve never looked up these matters. They 
didn ’t interest me. ’ ’ 

Well, they interest me,” said Larcum some- 
what tartly. It cost about two hundred and 
twenty-five thousand dollars, all raised by vol- 
untary contributions. When was it built? ” 

* ‘ I never looked up the date. ’ ’ 

I did. It was in 1843. Now, this Trafal- 
gar — where the naval fight occurred — where is 
it? ” 

‘‘ Why, it’s— it’s ” 

Do you know whether it’s an island, a 
mountain, or a town? ” 

No, I don’t.” 

It’s a cape; that’s what it is. Now tell me 
when the battle was fought.” 

‘‘ I can’t.” 

Then I shall have to enlighten you,” sighed 
Larcum in mock despair. The great naval 
battle between the English force, under Nelson, 
and the combined naval forces of France and 
Spain was fought otf Cape Trafalgar, in 
the year of our Lord, 1805, in the month 


A LESSON 151 

of October, on the twenty-second day of the 
month.’’ 

Scott turned, and for a moment peered quiz- 
zically at his friend, and then laughed aloud. 
“ That’s all right, Larc. You don’t need to 
say anything more.” 

‘‘ You really think, do you, the lesson is 
ended? ” 

I do.” 

Let me tell you one thing, Scott. I had my 
freshman year in college, and that’s all. I’m 
not posing as a fountain of knowledge that 
throws a stream out over a dry and thirsty 
land. Nay, verily. But I want you to under- 
stand right away off, that I’m not the ‘ good 
little boy ’ that is to be pumped full of stuff 
you’ve found in some old book. I’ll tell you 
right now that I don’t care a button where John 
was buried, or where Peter was born. You 
can ’t point up to the sun and say, ‘ Oh, glorious ! 
an English sun ! How I wish we had a sun like 
that at home.’ You can’t get me excited a lit- 
tle bit by showing me an English moon. I’m 
not interested in King Alfred’s old shoes, and I 
sha’n’t lie awake a minute after I’ve seen the 
place where William the Conqueror shot Harold 
in the eye. To my mind, anyway, the aforesaid 


152 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Willie was nothing but a marauding old pirate. 
If Henry VIII lived in America to-day, we’d 
have the old rascal shut up in Sing Sing (Ossin- 
ing, I believe you call it now), or in Joliet. My 
mother wouldn ’t let such a disreputable old vil- 
lain as Charles II say even ^ good morning ’ to 
my sister. I’m interested in the England of 
to-day. I want to see what the Englishmen are 
doing now, not what some one did a thousand 
years ago. In America, when we’ve buried a 
man, we let him stay dead and rest his bones in 
peace. ’ ’ 

Like Lincoln, or Washington, for example,” 
broke in Scott laughingly. 

That’s ditferent, and you know it! ” re- 
torted Larcum. 

Tell me, Larc, where did you learn all this 
about Nelson and Trafalgar? ” 

Do you really want to know? Well, I 
learned it at the Metropole.” 

When? ” 

This morning, after you left the room I 
read Baedeker’s ^ London.’ ” 

‘‘ I thought you said just now you were not 
interested in such things.” 

‘‘ I did. But I knew we were likely to pass 
Trafalgar Square this morning, and so I just 


A LESSON 


153 


thought I’d read up enough to teach any ig- 
noramus what he ought to know. ’ ’ 

You’ve taught him, all right, Larc,” ac- 
knowledged Scott. ‘ ‘ I sha ’n ’t try it again. ’ ’ 
Better not, though I think you made a sim- 
ilar remark after we found ourselves on the 
train for London.” 

‘‘ Here’s the Carlton,” said Scott, evidently 
relieved by the sight of the hotel they were 
seeking; we’ll go in and look for Armstrong.” 


CHAPTER XIV 


SEEKING AID 

Enteking the hotel, the two boys at once 
went to the office and looked carefully over the 
register. There it is! exclaimed Scott in 
a low voice, when, after a hasty search, he dis- 
covered the entry, Boyd Armstrong, San 
Francisco. ’ ’ 

Wedl find out if he is in,’’ responded Lar- 
cum quietly. Turning to the clerk he inquired, 
‘‘ Do you know whether or not Mr. Armstrong 
is in? ” 

I’ll ascertain at once,” said the clerk. 
Summoning a hall boy, he then asked of Lar- 
cum, What name, please? ” 

Just say a friend wishes to see him,” re- 
plied Larcum. 

In a few minutes the boy returned with the 
information that he was unable to find the man. 

Please find out if Mr. Armstrong left any 
word,” suggested Scott. 

Referring to a small book, the hotel clerk 
154 


SEEKING AID 


155 


glanced up and said, “ Yes, sir; Mr. Armstrong 
has left word that he will be out of town for a 
day or two.’’ 

Where has he gone? ” 

‘‘ He does not state. Any message you de- 
sire to leave? ” 

No, thank you. Mr. Armstrong will surely 
return? ” 

‘‘ Oh, yes; he has retained his room, and left 
orders for his mail to be kept for him.” 

And he does not state where he can be 
found? ” 

‘‘No, sir; the orders he left were simply to 
hold his mail for him, and that he would return 
in a day or two.” 

“ Thank you,” said Larcum; and then the 
two boys made their way to the street. 

“ What do you make of it, Larc? ” inquired 
Scott, as they were on their way back to 
the Metropole. “ What is Armstrong up to 
now? ” 

“ It beats me,” replied Larcum thoughtfully. 

“ Perhaps Jack has had some word from 
Lee.” 

“ If he has, it will help us out. Come on ! ” 

Quickening their speed the boys walked rap- 
idly, and did not halt until they came to a build- 


156 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


ing in which were the offices of many of the 
transatlantic steamship lines. 

‘ ‘ That ’s the best place I have yet seen, ’ ’ said 
Larcum glnmly. I wish we were on our way 
back.’’ 

Yon mustn’t let a little thing like Lee’s 
trouble upset you, Larc. ’ ’ 

‘‘ It hasn’t upset me, but I like my own 
country.” 

“You wish you were at home? ” 

“ Yes, Ido.” 

“ Well, I don’t. I am glad of a chance to 
see something of the world. All this difficulty 
of Lee’s will be settled almost before you know 
it. He can take good care of himself anywhere. 
I don’t believe that Armstrong has really done 
him any harm ” 

“ Not physical harm. I’ll admit that.” 

“ What then? ” 

“ He’s a rascal, in my opinion; and he isn’t 
wasting any atfection on Lee. He has some ob- 
ject in view, and it’s connected with Lee, too! 
I wish I knew what it is.” 

“ If he has, we’ll Jfind out pretty soon. You’re 
the last man I ever thought would give 
up.” 

“ Who’s giving up? ” growled the young 


SEEKING AID 


157 


giant. If you are referring to me, I^d have 
you know that such a thought has never entered 
my mind. I have no more idea of giving up 
than you have. All I mean is that I like my 
own country better. I can^t get used to the 
ways over here.’’ 

Eemembering the long time you have spent 
here, Larc, your remarks are certainly based 
upon a wide experience,” laughed Scott. 

You’ll feel better just as soon as we get Lee 
out of his tangle.” 

Entering the Metropole, the boys found John 
awaiting them in the lobby. What did you 
find? ” he inquired eagerly as he approached 
his friends. 

‘‘ Nothing,” replied Larcum. 

Not quite so bad as that. Jack,” explained 
Scott. We found Armstrong registered at 
the Carlton.” 

‘ ^ Did you ? That ’s good ! What did he have 
to say for himself? ” 

Nothing,” said Larcum. “ He’s gone.” 

Gone where? ” 

That’s just what we’d like to know.” 

‘‘It’s all right. Jack; or at least it isn’t as 
bad as Larc tries to make it. Armstrong has 
left for a day or two, but he has kept his room 


158 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


and left orders for all his mail to be held for 
him.” 

He’ll be back then! ” 

What have you heard, Jack! ” demanded 
Larcum. 

I haven’t had any word. No telegram has 
come while you’ve been gone.” 

We haven’t been away very long,” said 
Scott lightly. 

What do you say we ought to do next! ” 

Might send a telegram to Liverpool,” sug- 
gested John. 

‘ ^ And one to Mrs. Goodman. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Where is she! ” 

‘ ‘ Somewhere in Ireland. ’ ’ 

“ That’s right. That’s capital! ” retorted 
Larcum. ‘‘ Just send a wire to ‘ Mrs. Good- 
man, somewhere in Ireland,’ and word it, 
‘ We’ve lost Lee.’ How delighted Lee would be 
to hear of our thoughtfulness! He’d thank us 
with tears in his eyes when he first saw us for 
the way in which we had advertised his success 
as a traveler ! ’ ’ 

Well, what have you to suggest, Larc! ” de- 
manded John. 

Go to the major, and ask him what he ad- 
vises.” 


SEEKING AID 


159 


‘‘ Where are his ‘ lodgings,’ as he called 
them? You have his address, Larc. I think 
the suggestion is a good one,” said Scott. 

His address,” replied Larcum, as he took 
the major’s card from his pocket, is Caxton 
St., W.” 

That’s in Westminster,” explained Scott. 

No; it’s in London.” 

Westminster is one of the boroughs of Lon- 
don. Old London is not a very large town, as 
we found out last night; but there are a good 
many boroughs that make up the city of six to 
seven million as we know it. There’s West- 
minster, and Chelsea, and Battersea, and more 
than twenty altogether. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Get a taxicab and let ’s start, ’ ’ said Larcum, 
as he at once hailed the head porter and gave 
his order. 

A peculiar whistle from the porter brought 
the taxicab swiftly to the front of the hotel. Be- 
fore the Metropole, in the center of the street, 
was space reserved for hansoms, four-wheelers, 
taxicabs, and other conveyances, and a distinc- 
tive whistle by the porter summoned the vehicle 
desired. In a brief time the boys were riding 
swiftly through the streets on their way to the 
rooms of their friend the major. 


160 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


The summer morning was bright with the sun- 
shine of a perfect day. Even the grim walls of 
the buildings along the streets were aglow with 
a color not unattractive in spite of its dinginess. 
The streets were thronged with people, none of 
whom seemed to be in haste as they moved in 
the midst of the crowds. 

There’s the horseguard,” said Scott, as he 
pointed to two men in scarlet uniform, each 
mounted on a horse and stationed at the en- 
trance to Buckingham Palace. ‘ ‘ That is where 
King Edward lives when he is in town. ’ ’ 

And those guards have to sit there all day 
long? ” inquired Larcum. ‘‘It is hard for 
those horses; the men don’t seem to mind it.” 

“ The guards are changed at regular inter- 
vals, ’ ’ explained Scott. ‘ ‘ A good many people 
come to see the change. It is a sight worth 
seeing. We’ll come some day to see it.” 

“ It does not appeal to me,” said Larcum. 
‘ ‘ What is that big building ahead of us, at the 
end of the street? ” 

“ That is Westminster Abbey,” said Scott. 

Even Larcum was impressed as the massive 
structure came into view. The lofty turrets and 
spires, the great dark walls, the dignity and 
strength of the majestic building, even the 


SEEKING AID 


161 


stories and traditions that clustered about it, 
all had a language of their own, and Larcum 
was unable to think of anything disparaging, 
much less to express it. 

Those men up there,’’ he said, as he pointed 
to some workmen on a scaffold high in the gray 
outer walls, ^ ‘ seem to be busy. It must take an 
army of men to keep the Abbey in repair. ’ ’ 

^ ‘ It does. The building is so old and so large 
that something somewhere about it is always in 
need of restoring. Off to the left are the 
houses of Parliament,” added Scott. 

They certainly are superb,” said John, as 
he looked eagerly at the long and imposing 
buildings that stood on the bank of the Thames. 

Larc, how does the capitol at Washington 
compare with these? ” 

They’re different. The capitol doesn’t 

have so much gingerbread ” 

Gingerbread? What do you mean by 
that? ” demanded Scott. 

Oh, I mean there are a great many more 
little turrets, and spires, and fancy carvings 
here. This is more ‘ ornate ’ — I think that’s 
the word, isn’t it. Jack? Our Capitol buildings 
are more solid and plain. It all depends on 
which you like better.” 


162 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


The taxicab had darted into another street, 
and the view of the great pile of stone was hid- 
den. Along there, on the left, you can see a 
good many of the colonial offices,’’ explained 
Scott. It seems strange, doesn’t it, to find 
offices for Australia, and New Zealand, and 
Canada, and India, and South Africa, right here 
in London? Somehow, I always think of Eng- 
land as a little country, and yet it is really the 
center, the head of about one-fifth of all the peo- 
ple of the globe, and the British fiag floats over 
one-fifth of all the land on the globe, too. Just 
beyond are the army and navy stores. You can 
buy there if you can quote a number.” 

‘‘ What do you mean? I can quote any num- 
ber of numbers. Just hear me — one, two, three, 
four, five. Does that do the trick? ” asked Lar- 
cum. 

‘‘ Not exactly,” laughed Scott. Some sol- 
dier or sailor must give you a card having his 
number on it. That’s an introduction, that’s 
all. It’s mostly a form, anyway. Here’s 
our number,” Scott added as he drew a 
card from his pocket and showed it to his 
friends. 

Where did you get it? ” inquired John. 

The major gave it to me. Here we are in 


SEEKING AID 163 

Caxton Street/’ Scott added, as the taxicab 
turned into a street on the right. 

That isn’t so bad a name for a street,” said 
Larcum graciously. ‘‘ But when you come to 
Piccadilly and Cheapside and Threadneedle, 
and Arthur Mews, Bird-in-bush Road, and Cow- 
field Row, and Elephant and Castle, and Ken- 
sington Gore, and I don’t know what all — why, 
they are too much for me ! Over there by the 
Carlton this morning — ^what is the name of that 
street, Scott! Hay, isn’t it! ” 

Haymarket,” laughed Scott. Here we 
are at the major’s apartments,” he added, as the 
taxicab drew alongside the curb. You wait 
here, and I’ll run up to see if he is at home.” 

In a few minutes Scott returned with word 
that the major was in his apartments, and would 
be glad to see his visitors. Dismissing their 
driver, all three boys at once entered, and were 
cordially greeted. 

“ ’Pon my word! ” declared the major, this 
is a pleasure! And how have you been since 
you came to town ! ’ ’ 

I haven’t entirely lost the motion of the 
Celtic yet,” explained John. ‘‘ The streets and 
buildings are still moving up and down with me 
when I start from our hotel.” 


164 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ That is most extraordinary! exclaimed 
the major, his face betraying the perplexity un- 
der which he was laboring. ‘ ^ That is unusual ; 
quite remarkable, I should say! Why, we con- 
sider these buildings in London very stable, very 
stable, indeed ! ’ ^ 

The boys were silent a moment, no one daring 
to trust himself even to glance at the others. 
The matter-of-fact manner in which the major 
had received John’s statement was very ex- 
traordinary, very extraordinary, indeed,” as 
Larcum afterward said, in referring to the in- 
terview. 

However, the major, unaware that he had said 
anything extraordinary,” was most cordial in 
his welcome and warm in his proffers of hos- 
pitality. 

The purpose of the boys in seeking their 
friend was not long to be held back, and Larcum 
related all that had occurred in their etforts 
to communicate with Lee and to obtain some 
information from Armstrong. The major was 
all attention, and except for a few questions 
which he asked in the course of Larcum ’s story, 
he was silent until it was completed. His quiet 
manner then was instantly dropped, and he was 
ready with his suggestions as to what was best 
to be done. 


CHAPTER XV 


THE major’s suggestions 

‘‘ There are several plans,” said the major 
promptly. ‘‘You might try one of them, or all, 
if you prefer. First of all, there is the appeal 
to your consul here in the city. He is a very 
efficient man, I am told. ’ ’ 

“ IVe thought of that,” responded Larcum; 
“ but I don’t want to do that yet. You see, we 
don’t know anything that is very definite, and 
the consul-general will not be interested in our 
suspicions.” 

“ There is the police,” suggested the major. 

“ Yes,” said Larcum; “ but there again, we 
have only our suspicions. We ought not to ap- 
peal to them unless we know more than we do 
now. ’ ’ 

“ Have you thought of having one of your 
party go to York? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ Why isn’t that a good suggestion, Larc? ” 
said Scott quickly. 


165 


166 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘It is good/’ replied Larcnm. “ The only 
objection is that if Lee should come on to Lon- 
don or wire us while we were gone, it would 
complicate matters. Instead of having Lee in 
the north, it would be having you or Jack 
there. ’ ’ 

“ But we wouldn’t have any trouble,” sug- 
gested Scott. “ This man, Armstrong, appar- 
ently has some special grudge against Lee. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ I fancy your objections are quite sufficient, ’ ’ 
said the major. “ Matters may not be so trou- 
blesome as you suspect. It is very annoying 
to have your friend in such a predicament. He 
impressed me quite strongly, however, as a 
young gentleman who is quite capable of pro- 
tecting himself, and I am sure he will be able 
to give a good account of himself. I do not 
think you need be concerned about his personal 
safety. If this man, Armstrong, has any de- 
signs, it is quite likely they may be against some 
matter connected with his purpose in coming to 
England. A little patience may be the very 
best means of aiding you. Indeed, my advice 
to you is to go back to the Metropole, ascertain 
if any messages have come, and ” 

“ If there aren’t any, what then, major? ” in- 
quired Larcum quickly. 


THE MAJORS S SUGGESTIONS 167 


Then do nothing for a time. Yon have not 
seen the Tower, and that, I understand, is one 
of the foremost objects of interest to the people 
from the States.’’ 

And not do anything more? Just wait? ” 
said Larcum a trifle impatiently. 

Not at all. Don’t go very far away, and 
maintain a more or less persistent watch on the 
Carlton. Mr. Armstrong may return any 
time. ’ ’ 

I don’t like to give up.” 

You are not giving up,” said the major cor- 
dially. ‘‘You are simply waiting to enable you 
to obtain the results of plans you have already 
formed. Meanwhile I shall not be idle.” 

“ What will you do, major? ” 

“ I shall send word to some friends of mine 
in York. You need have no feeling of uneasi- 
ness,” the major added hastily. “ I shall take 
pains to see that your friend does not learn of 
the investigation. I assure you it will be done 
so quietly that there will not be any commotion. 
As soon as I learn more I shall at once com- 
municate with you.” 

“ Thank you, major,” said Larcum cordially, 
as he and his friends arose to depart. “ We 
appreciate your kindness and interest.” 


168 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘You are quite welcome. I am sure you 
need not have any uneasiness concerning Lee. 
This is England and not 

‘ ‘ Chicago, ’ ^ suggested Scott mockingly. . 

“ Quite so,’^ acknowledged the major seri- 
ously as he accompanied the boys to the door. 

‘ ‘ My advice to you is to go at once to the Tower, 
and to put all anxiety out of your minds. Your 
friend will be found, and he will be amply pro- 
tected if he is in any trouble. ^ ’ 

Again thanking the major for his interest and 
kindness, the boys returned to the street and 
decided to walk back to their hotel. At first 
their minds were relieved in a measure as they 
recalled the confidence the major had expressed; 
but, as thy proceeded on their way, their feeling 
of anxiety returned and, when they entered thir 
hotel, they at once went to the desk to inquire 
for telegrams. 

‘ ‘ Nothing for any of you, young gentlemen, ’ ’ 
replied the clerk, in response to their eagerly 
expressed queries. 

The fears of the boys were now active, but it 
was decided to talk over their plans while they 
were lunching together. In a few minutes they 
were seated before the table which had been 
reserved for them in the dining-room, and 


THE MAJORS 8 SUGGESTIONS 169 


in low voices they were discussing their 
future. 

‘ ‘ It certainly beats anything I ever have had 
in my life, ’ ’ said Larcum gloomily, when the in- 
terview was ended. And you think it will be 
better for Jack to go to the Carlton and 
watch for Armstrong, instead of going there 
myself? ’’ 

‘‘ Decidedly. Armstrong may be watching 
for you,^’ said Scott. 

But he knows Jack, too,^’ protested Lar- 
cum. 

That^s true; but not as he knows you.’’ 

I don’t care anything about going to the 
Tower of London.” 

You’ll have to go though, Larc,” laughed 
Scott. It will never do for you to go back 
home without having seen the Tower. ’ ’ 

^ ‘ Why won ’t it ? ” 

Because it won’t. The Tower is the most 
interesting spot on the British Isles. It’s full 
of ” 

Of what? ” demanded Larcum as his friend 
hesitated. 

Full of interest. You’ll see what the Eng- 
lishmen were like hundreds of years ago. 
You’ll find ” 


170 FOVB BOYS AND A FORTUNE 

But I don’t care what they were like then. 
All I want is to find out what they are now. ’ ’ 

You’ll have to see the past to understand 
the present.” 

Humph! I don’t believe that. You don’t 
have to have any past. Now look at my own 
city. I myself have heard the man preach who 
himself preached the first sermon ever delivered 
to a white audience there. Chicago wouldn’t 
be a bit better or bigger if I should see the old 
shoes of the first settlers, or knew the pedigree 
of the families that came there first. Yet I’m 
proud of my city. It does things, and does 
them now. It does not have to point back to 
its great-grandfathers. ’ ’ 

All the same, Larc, you are coming with 
me, ’ ’ laughed Scott. 

I suppose I am,” said Larcum ruefully. 

As soon as it was ascertained that still no 
message from Lee had come, John at once de- 
parted for his vigil at the neighboring hotel, 
and his friends secured seats on the top of a 
bus and started for the Tower of London. The 
Strand, crowded with vehicles and throngs of 
passing people, soon so deeply interested the 
boys that even Larcum ’s feeling of irritation 
speedily departed. 


THE MAJORS S SUGGESTIONS 171 


When the two boys at last alighted at the end 
of theiy ride, Larcum exclaimed, Is that the 
Tower of London! Why, it doesnT look any 
more like a tower than it does like a normal 
school. It^s a lot of buildings, and not a tower 
at all. What do they call the place the Tower 
of London for! ’’ 

‘‘ Yes; it covers thirteen acres now,’’ laughed 
Scott; but it hasn’t always been that way. It 
used to be a royal palace and fortress before it 
was made over into a state prison.” 

What is it used for now! ” 

Oh, it’s an arsenal and a museum.” 

Who started it, anyway! ” 

‘‘No one knows exactly. There may have 
been a fort here as far back as the days of the 
Eomans, but William the Conqueror probably 
began the modern structure.” 

“ Modern! ‘ Quite so,’ ” laughed Larcum. 
“ A good place for a fort,” he added as he 
looked out over the near-by Thames. “ What’s 
that ditch all around the walls ! Is it a drain! ” 
“No; it’s the old moat. There hasn’t been 
any water in it for a good many years. We 
can see what the old moats were, and what they 
might have kept out of the castles when the 
moats were full of water.” 


172 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ I should think the land would be too 
valuable to leave it like this. ’ ^ 

Scott laughed at what he termed his friend’s 
real estate estimates,” and said, We’ll go in 
through the Lions’ Gate. That’s the main en- 
trance. ’ ’ 

<< Why do they call it the Lions’ Gate? I 
don’t see any lions.” 

You won’t see any in the place. Years 
ago the king’s menagerie used to be kept 
here, but it hasn’t been for more than sixty 
years.” 

Then why do they call it Lions’ Gate if 
the lions aren’t here? ” 

Because it used to be the gate to the place 
where the lions were kept.” 

I ‘ used ’ to wear dresses, but that’s no rea- 
son why I should wear them now, is it? The 
Lions’ Gate is then the gate where there aren’t 
any lions at all. I guess the name ought to be 
spelled L-i-e-i-n-g. ” 

‘ ‘ Come, Larc, you must try to see something 
that’s good.” 

That’s what I’m trying to do,” growled the 
young giant, who plainly was not in a frame of 
mind to appreciate the interest in historic days 
and deeds which his friend manifestly had. 


THE MAJORS S SUGGESTIONS 173 


Who are those old boys with the funny flat 
hats and the cutaway flowing trousers? ’’ 

They are the warders/’ 

<< Why don’t they give them clothes fit to 
wear? They’re simply outlandish! ” 

‘ ‘ That is the way the men dressed years ago. 
You can see how the common people appeared 
away back in the old days. ’ ’ Hailing one of the 
men to whom Larcum had referred, Scott se- 
cured his services as guide. 

The crown jewels, among which were the 
crowns used at the coronation of Charles II, 
Queen Victoria, King Edward, and other mon- 
archs, royal scepters, the curtana, or sword of 
mercy, royal spurs, bracelets, and many other 
ornaments and gems, the insignia of the Order 
of the Garter and various other orders, the Vic- 
toria Cross, and other objects enclosed in the 
great case of glass were pointed out to the 
boys by the guide, and their historic relations 
explained. 

‘‘ Quite pretty,” said Larcum lightly. 

The guide stared blankly at the young giant, 
and then led the way to the Bloody Tower, 
where the marvelous collection of old armor 
seemed to appeal more strongly to Larcum than 
had the so-called crown jewels in the Wakefield 


174 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Tower. Crossbows, spears, bows, arrows — all 
the implements of warfare before the invention 
of gunpowder were displayed and, for a time, 
Larcum was unable to conceal bis interest. 

However, as tbe guide led the way from the 
rooms, he said, Those old boys had a good 
many ways of hurting people, didn’t they? ” 
These are the weapons of warfare,” said 
the guide. 

So I suspected. Don’t you believe those 
spears hurt? ” 

‘‘ They were the weapons; they were the 
means by which soldiers were slain. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Yes; but I should think the spears would 
hurt a man if they were pushed hard against 
his ribs.” 

‘ ‘ They killed. ’ ’ 

<< Worse yet,” said Larcum solemnly shaking 
his head. ‘ ‘ Why is this tower called the Bloody 
Tower? ” 

I will show you the very spot where the 
little princes, the sons of Edward IV, were slain 
by the order of King Richard III. ’ ’ 

Wherefore did Richard III do them such 
physical discomfort? ” 

‘‘ Quite so,” said the guide stolidly. 

‘‘ That’s just what I thought about it. Poor 


THE MAJOE^S SUGGESTIONS 175 


little chaps, they were not to blame. What was 
done to Richard for his murder of the princes ? ’ ^ 
‘‘ Why, he was the king! He was Richard 
III! ’’ 

‘ ‘ Yes ; so I have understood. Is that the best 
way to become a king? ’’ 

You do not understand,’’ said the guard 
slowly. ‘ ‘ The princes were the sons of Edward 
IV. Richard III had mounted the throne, and 
he was fearful lest the princes might endanger 

his power if they ” 

Quite so,” interrupted Larcum. “So he 
put the poor little fellows to death, and then 
everybody said it was all right. Guide, please 
inform me who was Mrs. Henry VIII? ” 

“ I do not quite grasp your meaning? Do 
you refer to the queen of his majesty King 
Henry VIII? ” 

“ Quite so.” 

“ There were several queens ” began the 

guide. 

“ Yes; I understand that. Some of them re- 
sided here in the Tower, I am told.” 

“ They were prisoners of state here. There 

was Lady Jane Grey ” 

“ Yes, yes. But what was done to Henry? ” 
“ Why, sir, he was the king.” 


176 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


“ Do you mean to tell me you let a man do 
such things as Henry did and still be the undis- 
puted monarch of these isles! 

Quite so/’ said the guide blankly. 

^ ‘ Do you know what we would do in Chicago 
with such a miserable old reprobate! We’d 
employ several colored darkies of Ethiopian ex- 
traction to apply their pedal extremities to the 
acceleration of Henry’s march the length of 
Michigan Avenue ! We’d give Bluff Hal an in- 
troduction to his older brother — erstwhile 
known as Old Harry! We’d never set up any 
statues or hang any portraits of a man who 
treated women as he did. We’d hang him, not 
pictures of him. You grasp my meaning, I 
take it! ” 

Quite so. King Henry VIII was quite a 
marked favorite in his day. He was familiarly 
known as Bluff King Hal. ’ ’ 

“ The first title was doubtless deserved; 
whether the kingly appellation was, the de- 
ponent saith not. ’ ’ 

Quite so,” murmured the guide blankly. 



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CHAPTER XVI 


OLD AND NEW 

SevekaL hours were spent by the two hoys in 
visits to the Parade, the Tower Green, the site 
of the old scatfold where many men and women 
famous in England’s history were executed, 
the Waterloo Barracks, and several of the re- 
maining towers which were open to visitors. In 
spite of Larcum’s affected indifference he was 
deeply interested in all that he saw, though it 
was the moat which was on three sides of the 
Tower that appealed to him most of all. What 
famous stories of siege and battle it implied I 
Even the side of the Tower facing the Thames 
had its own appeal. 

I can fancy what this spot might have been 
years ago when it was a fortress, ’ ’ said Larcum 
thoughtfully. The river covered with boats, 
which were filled with soldiers, men trying to 
force their way over the moat, the archers on 
the old walls, the portcullis, with its sharp 
spikes, falling on the men that tried to scale the 
walls, the shouts and cries and calls, the men 
177 


178 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


in armor, the cloud of arrows shot from the 
hows and cross-bows — why it is like a picture of 
the days that Scott wrote about. 

I thought you would wake up, Larc,^’ said 
Scott eagerly. ‘ ‘ I knew you would become in- 
terested when you saw what men did hundreds 
of years ago and how they did it.’^ 

‘ ‘ Humph ! ^ ’ retorted Larcum, his spirit of 
perverseness instantly returning as his friend 
spoke. That^s all right. What I can^t stand 
is the attitude of these old fellows. WTiy, this 
warder speaks of Eichard III and Henry VIII 
as if they were saints. I can’t see where the 
sainthood comes in! Just because they hap- 
pened to be born kings or managed somehow to 
get the throne — I can’t, for the life of me, see 
how that changes the kind of men they were. 
To me Eobin Hood is a better man every way 
than Henry VIII. Even Captain Kidd isn’t any 
worse than a man who had his own nephews — 
poor little chaps! — strangled in the Bloody 
Tower, or had their eyes put out, or whatever it 
was he did. ’ ’ 

It was a good while ago they lived,” sug- 
gested Scott. 

That’s all right! ” retorted Larcum. 
‘‘ John the Baptist isn’t a modern invention. 


OLD AND NEW 


179 


nor is King Herod, but there isn^t any difficulty 
in telling who was the saint and who was the 
coward. Then, this old chap,’^ continued Lar- 
cum, glancing at the warder, who was a little 
way in advance of them, is all the while tell- 
ing us, when he finds any of the crown jewels 
replaced by models, or anything old that had 
been destroyed — ‘ Cromwell done it! ’ Oliver 
Cromwell I Why, the old fellow was hard- 

headed and he had a fist like Why, Scott, 

I saw a cast of Cromwell’s hands the other 
day. A friend of my father has a fad of col- 
lecting casts of hands. He had a cast of Crom- 
well’s hanging on the wall of his library right 
beside a cast of Voltaire’s. You never saw 
such a contrast? Voltaire’s hands were slim 
and long and delicate — like a girl’s. Crom- 
well’s fist was like a ham. But I tell you he was 
downright in earnest, and that appeals to me 
every time. I’d rather see a man in the wrong 
and not be half-hearted about it than I would 
see a man in the right, as far as his position is 
concerned, and yet be so ‘ nice ’ about it he’d 
never soil his fingers to help a poor fellow out 
of the ditch.” 

‘‘ Maybe Henry VIII was in earnest,” sug- 
gested Scott. 


180 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Only for himself. As far as he was con- 
cerned Henry VIII was number one all the time 
and everywhere. It doesn’t appeal to me — 
that ’s all I can say about it. This bowing down 
and scraping and kotowing before a man just 
because he happened to be born to the purple, 
isn’t for me! During the political campaign a 
little while ago in one of the states in the Middle 
West, one of the candidates for governor had 
it thrown at him that his mother at one time 
had been a washerwoman. What did the man 
do? Did he get up and apologize? Did he 
whine because he happened to be born in a 
humble home? Not much he didn’t! He flung 
it right back at the man that had taunted him. 
He said his little mother, after his father died 
and left her with little children and no money, 
just gave herself to any work she could And. 
She did anything that was honest and that 
would bring her a penny, to care for the chil- 
dren, and do the very best in her power for 
them. Apologize for her? Ashamed of her 
poverty? Why, he declared he was even 
prouder of his mother than he was of the fact 
that he was a citizen of a country in which what 
a man could do, not where he happened to be 
born, was the thing that counted. He said he 


OLD AND NEW 


181 


gloried in the love and devotion of his mother 
and her brave fight with poverty. ’ ^ 

What happened? Was he elected? ’’ 

‘‘ Elected! I should say he was. He be- 
longed to the party that usually was beaten, but 
that year he went in with a tremendous major- 
ity. That’s the thing that appeals to me! ” 
You’re all right, Larc.” 

Of course I am! What worries me over 
here, ever since we landed in England, is the 
attitude of what is called the common people. 
It isn’t any disgrace to be born without big 
brains or social standing, but what I can’t 
stand is the way the people go around and 
label themselves as being all that. It’s a 
^ please-don’t-kick-me ’ air, or ‘I’m sorry I’m 
a member of the common people, ’ that gives me 
inflammation of the diaphragm ! ’ ’ 

“ Yet, all these things are history — these 
things we’ve just seen.” 

“ Yes, I suppose so. I’m not saying they 
don’t interest me. They do. I know as well as 
you do that a man can’t understand the present 
unless he knows something of the past that 
helped in the making. But what I claim is, that 
there is a big difference between telling of what 
has been and glorifying it.” 


182 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


For example? 

Oil, the way our guide talks about Eichard 
III and Henry VIII. To my mind they^re 
worse than the worst cutthroats that ever lived. 
They ought to have done better with all the ad- 
vantages they had. It^s one thing to tell what 
they did and another to put a halo over their 
heads.’’ 

Well, Larc, we haven’t very much of that at 
home.” 

<< We’ve enough! I’ve read about the way 
the old Puritans hanged the witches and 
whipped the Quakers and banished the Baptists 
from Salem. I’ll acknowledge it’s all history; 
but that doesn’t make it right, does it? For my 
part, I think we ought to be ashamed of it, not 
proud. And that’s the way I feel about this 
Tower of London, too! It’s all well enough to 
record what was done by the old reprobates, but 
this warder of ours seems to think it was some- 
thing to be proud of. I’ve heard that when a 
negro is lynched down South that some of the 
most ignorant and vicious of the darkies fairly 
fight over the bones of the rascal.” 

And yet I have heard that the president 
of one of the leading Scottish universities was 
the son of a crofter,” suggested Scott. 


OLD AND NEW 


183 


A crofter? Wliat is that? ’’ 

A poor farmer who has only about an acre 
in his little farm and, very likely, that is so 
rocky that scarcely anything will grow on it.’’ 
That’s all right.” 

‘‘ And I’ve heard, too, that men have been 
knighted who were the sons of the poor. ’ ’ 

‘‘ That’s all right, too. That’s the way it 
ought to be.” 

“ Even brewers have been received into the 
nobility.” 

‘‘ Quite so,” snorted Larcum. They paid 
for the privilege.” 

‘ ‘ But it shows that any man who wins a for- 
tune or does something worth doing is recog- 
nized for what he is, doesn’t it? ” 

‘‘ Probably. But that doesn’t do away with 
the thing I’m talking about.” 

What is that? ” inquired Scott with a smile. 
About this putting a tag on one’s self and 
advertising to all the world that he is ‘ so hum- 
ble.’ It is this tipping business that shows it. 
Every man you meet — at least a good many 
men — are fawning on you and begging, by act, 
if not by word, for a gratuity ! It is bad enough 
in America, but it’s a thousand times worse 
here.” 


184 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Money is at the bottom of ’most every- 
thing.” 

That’s where you’re wrong, Scott. It isn’t 
at the bottom of everything. I’ve been feeling 
in the bottom of my pocket, and I can ’t find even 
a sixpence there. You ’ll have to fee our guide. ’ ’ 

All right,” laughed Scott as he gave the 
warder a shilling. 

What shall we do now, Larc? ” he added 
as the two boys passed through the gate into 
the street. While we are here, don’t you 
think it will be a good thing to go on to see 
London Bridge? ” 

I suppose so. I don’t think we ought to be 
gone much longer. J ack is having a long siege 
at the Carlton, unless Armstrong has come back 
before this.” 

It won’t take long. We’ll just go over it 
once and then we’ll go right back to Jack.” 

As Larcum agreed, the two boys at once made 
their way to the famous bridge, now one of 
twenty across the Thames. In the middle of 
the bridge the boys halted to watch the sight 
that spread out before them. The river was a 
stirring scene, with boats of all descriptions 
moving over its surface. Along its shores, as 
far as the boys could see, were great docks. 


OLD AND NEW 


185 


where huiidreds of men were toiling. Across 
the bridge itself a throng of people were stead- 
ily moving, and vehicles of ditferent kinds 
passed in a steady stream. 

Look at these lamp-posts,’’ suggested Scott, 
pointing to the rows along the border of the 
bridge. They are all made of the metal of 
the French cannon captured in the Peninsular 
war. ’ ’ 

Were they*? That’s a good way to use can- 
non. For my part I wish every cannon in the 
world could be melted into lamp-posts. What 
do you know about this bridge anyway, Scott ? ’ ’ 
It is the oldest and most important in Lon- 
don,” began Scott glibly. No one knows, of 
course, when the first bridge was made, but away 
back in the days of the Saxons there was a 
bridge here.” 

“ How long is this bridge? ” 

Almost a thousand feet — ^nine hundred and 
twenty-eight, to be exact.” 

Is this bridge so very old? ” 

Not this particular one. It’s only about 
seventy-five years; of course, it took the place 
of one that was here before it. The old Saxon 
bridges used to be carried away when there was 
a fiood in the Thames. This is too high for 


186 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


that/’ Scott added as he looked down at the 
water far below them. 

There’s one thing I like very much here,” 
said Larcum as he glanced at the long lines of 
wagons crossing the bridge. Do you see how 
the wagons that are heavy and slow travel on 
the sides and those that are swifter are all in 
the middle? That’s a fine arrangement.” 

They don’t very often have a block here in 
spite of the fact that twenty-two thousand 
wagons, carriages, and carts cross every day. 
Come on, Larc. We’ll walk across and then 
come back, and then go back by the way of Bill- 
ingsgate — the fish market.” 

For the fish or the language? ” 

Neither. We’ll see the fish, but the old 
Billingsgate bad language is a thing of the 
past.” 

Has it any monument? ” inquired Lar- 
cum soberly. 

No,” laughed Scott. Not a monument, 
though the dock is the oldest in London. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Then I’ll go.” 

The sight of the huge fish market was one 
the boys never forgot. Fish from Scotland, 
the Dogger Bank, German Ocean, and from 
Holland, were on sale. Lobsters from Norway 


OLD AND NEW 


187 


and oysters from the Channel Islands were 
displayed, with tempting signs, and their sale 
eagerly nrged. The busy throng was interest- 
ing, and even Larcum was impressed by it. 

‘‘ This is modern; this is up to date,’^ he de- 
clared as the boys departed. ‘‘ I^d rather see 
live people selling dead fish than the grave of 
the deadest man that ever lived. ’ ’ 

I’m afraid you’re hopeless,” laughed Scott. 
Not at all. I’m full of hope, and that’s just 
it. I’m looking ahead, not behind me. It isn’t 
what’s behind me that interests me, it’s what 
is ahead of me.” 

“ Well, I hope there’s some good news from 
Lee ahead of us, ’ ’ said Scott as the two friends 
obtained seats on the top of a bus. 

We’ll soon know,” responded Larcum 
thoughtfully. 

Both were thinking of what might await them, 
and conversation fiagged during the ride. As 
soon as the bus arrived at Trafalgar Square, the 
boys hastily alighted and at once made their 
way to their hotel. 


CHAPTER XVII 


A TEAIN FOR THE NORTH 

Hastening to the desk, Scott eagerly inquired 
for telegrams. His manner betrayed his keen 
disappointment as he said to his friend, Not 
a word. Lard Not a word! DoesnT it beat 
anything you ever heard of f What do you sup- 
pose it means ? ’ ’ 

‘‘ Means we haven T heard, that’s all,” 
growled Larcum. ^ ‘ Come on ! ” 

“ Where? ” 

“ To the Carlton, of course. Did you think 
I meant the Annex in Chicago? ” 

One never knows. I’m ready. We’ll go 
over to give Jack a rest.” 

‘‘ ‘ Rest ’? What do you think he has been 
having? He’s done nothing but rest ever since 
we left him.” 

You might not call it that if you had had 
to keep watch. ’ ’ 

Well, I’m resting more than is good for my 
enfeebled constitution,” said Larcum, as the 
188 


A TRAIN FOR THE NORTH 189 


two boys departed. I hope Jack will have 
something to report to us. ’ ’ 

When they entered the lobby of the hotel 
they were seeking, they found their friend 
awaiting thir coming. Quickly rising from his 
seat, J ohn at once joined the boys and inquired. 

Heard anything? ’’ 

Not a word. What have you found out? 
demanded Larcum. 

Not a thing.’’ 

“ Haven’t you seen anything of Arm- 
strong? ” 

No.” 

Somewhat downcast by the disappointing re- 
port, Larcum at once turned to the desk and 
stood there silently awaiting an opportunity to 
speak to the clerk. Beside him was standing 
a man who was engaged in earnest conversation 
with the clerk. Larcum had no desire to over- 
hear what was said, but the voice of the speaker 
was not low, and it was impossible for the young 
traveler not to hear what was said. 

He wrote me to pay his bill,” the man was 
saying. Larcum gave no special heed to the 
words, but the next statement instantly aroused 
his attention. 

^ ‘ Mr. Armstrong, ’ ’ said the man ; ‘ ‘ Mr. Boyd 


190 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Armstrong is the man I mean. He expected to 
come back, but I have received word from him 
that be was compelled to change his plans, and 
requested me to settle bis account for him 
here. ’ ’ 

“ The cashier will attend to you, sir,’’ said 
the clerk, as be pointed to the cashier ’s desk. 

’K you,” responded the stranger as he 
turned away. 

Without losing sight of the man, Larcum in- 
stantly rejoined his friends, and in a low voice 
said, ‘‘ Go back to the Metropole, and one of 
you stay there right in the lobby ; the other one 
must call up the major on the telephone or go 
to see him right away. Don’t fail to have one 
of you in the lobby of the hotel to be ready for 
a telephone call. ’ ’ 

Scott and J ohn were staring blankly at their 
friend, and, as he turned away, the former said 
hastily, What’s wrong, Larc? What are you 
doing? Where are you going? Heard any- 
thing? ” 

Do what I tell you,” growled Larcum 
sternly. ‘‘I’ll see you later.” Ignoring the 
amazement of his friends over his perplexing 
actions, Larcum hastily returned to a place 
where he might see more easily what the man 


A TRAIN FOR TEE NORTH 191 


who was settling Armstrong’s account was 
likely to do. The stranger was about to turn 
away from the cashier’s cage, and for the sake 
of ascertaining whether or not he himself was 
known by the man, he advanced and stood for a 
moment directly in front of the stranger. As 
not even a glance of interest was given him, 
Larcum instantly concluded that he was not 
recognized, perhaps was not known by the man, 
and he at once decided to follow him. 

When the stranger went outside and called 
for a cab, Larcum was close behind him, and 
hailed another. 

Cabby,” he inquired, as he stopped a mo- 
ment before he entered, ‘ ^ do you think a crown 
will help you to keep that cab — the one with the 
fat driver — in sight ? ’ ’ 

Hi do, sir,” responded the driver quickly. 

“ Then do it! ” said Larcum hastily, as he 
took his seat. ‘ ^ Don ’t let the other driver sus- 
pect we are following him,” he added as the 
doors were closed. 

Swiftly the cab in which Larcum was riding 
joined the throng of moving vehicles in the 
crowded street. The young traveler could see 
the cab not far in advance which he was desirous 
of following. His own driver apparently was 


192 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


true to his word, for he steadily followed the 
cab before him, which was not moving very 
rapidly. He kept at such a distance, too, that 
no suspicions of being followed were likely to 
be aroused in the mind of the other driver. But 
the chase was proving to be a longer one than 
Larcum had expected. Ten, fifteen, twenty 
minutes passed, and still the cab he was follow- 
ing gave no signs of nearing its destination. 
Through one crowded street into another, dart- 
ing into little narrow cross streets, and then out 
into a thoroughfare unknown to Larcum the 
course was kept. The interest of the young 
traveler was, however, steadily increasing. His 
determination to follow to the end was stronger 
with every passing mile. He did not know even 
the name of the stranger in advance of him ; but 
the man had paid Armstrong’s bill, and mani- 
festly was aware of the place where Armstrong 
now was, and that of itself was sufficient to in- 
crease the zeal of Larcum. 

In spite of his anxiety over the unexplained 
and prolonged absence of Lee, Larcum now was 
entering into the spirit of the chase. He was 
determined that the man before him should not 
elude him. He would follow him now, he de- 
clared to himself, to Land’s End or John 


A TRAIN FOR THE NORTH 193 


o’ Groat’s, if it should prove to be necessary. 
He did not once turn away his eyes from the 
cab before him in the street. As yet he was un- 
recognized, and the actions of the man, when 
he had been in the hotel, did not indicate that 
he had any suspicion that the young giant was 
in pursuit, or even had any special interest in 
him. 

This is becoming interesting,” thought Lar- 
cum, as ten minutes more elapsed and still the 
pursued showed no indications of stopping. The 
hour was late, and Larcum could see, as he 
occasionally glanced at the restaurants or ho- 
tels he was passing, that people were being 
served with dinners. He, too, was hungry, but 
not even that feeling was to be considered now. 
He must follow this man to the end of his jour- 
ney, he grimly thought, as something of his 
former spirit of determination, when he was on 
the football team of his school, swept over him. 

Suddenly the speed of the cab he was follow- 
ing slackened and the driver turned into what 
apparently was a huge station. The chase was 
becoming more exciting, thought Larcum. His 
own driver followed the course of the cab be- 
fore him, and drew alongside the platform of 
the station, a few yards behind his predecessor. 


194 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


As Larcum stepped out, he saw that the 
stranger was carrying a bag in his hand ; 
apparently the man was about to enter a 
train. 

Taking a notebook from his pocket, Larcum 
hastily wrote upon it, May be gone a day or 
two. Will wire. Keep up your watch. He 
then signed his initials to the hasty note, and 
directed it to Scott Gordon, care of the hotel 
Metropole. Then as he paid his driver, adding 
the promised crown to the fee, he gave him also 
another crown as he bade him take the slip of 
paper he had given him to the address written 
upon the outside. Then, without knowing what 
his own plans were to be, he turned and almost 
ran into the station, entering by the door 
through which he had seen Armstrong’s friend 
pass. 

Inside the room, which proved to be the 

first-class booking-room,” Larcum discovered 
the man for whom he was searching standing in 
the line before the little window where tickets 
were sold. He had no means of knowing where 
the stranger was going, but whatever his des- 
tination he was resolved to follow. Joining the 
line, he was compelled to await his turn, and try 
as he might, and as he did, he was unable to 


A TRAIN FOR TEE NORTH 195 


hear the name of the station for which the 
stranger purchased a ticket. 

When it came his turn at the window, in re- 
sponse to the question of the ticket-agent, 
Where, sir? Larcum was compelled to in- 
quire, ^ ‘ Where does this train go ? ^ ’ 

“ Which train? ’’ 

The one to the north,’’ ventured Larcum, 
aware of the impatience of the men in the wait- 
ing line behind him. 

What station? ” demanded the agent 
gruffly. 

What stations are there? ” inquired Lar- 
cum, who now was determined not to be turned 
aside. 

You can go to Lancaster, Leeds, York ” 

‘ ‘ What is the first stop ? ’ ’ broke in Larcum. 

Eugby.” 

‘‘ Then give me a ticket to Eugby,” said Lar- 
cum, ignoring the glances of anger bestowed 
upon him by the people in the waiting line. 
Fortunately the young traveler had sufflcient 
money with him to make his purchase, and as 
soon as he received his ticket he departed from 
the station and made his way to the train beside 
the platform. 

His perplexity was by no means ended, how- 


196 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


ever, even when he had secured his ticket. In 
response to his questions the guard explained 
that the train was composed of sections, and 
that at ditferent stations some of the ‘‘ car- 
riages ’’ would be switched to other roads than 
the one that led to Eughy. 

It was almost time for the train to depart, 
and aware now that he could not delay longer, 
Larcum at once entered the compartment of the 
car that was in the section which was marked 
Rugby. As soon as he secured his seat, he 
left his hat to indicate that the seat was held — 
a certain method of retaining a place on a train 
in Great Britain — and then began a search for 
the man whom he was seeking in the other com- 
partments of his car. The train was moving 
by the time his search was ended ; a search that 
proved to be unavailing, as all the other trav- 
elers were utter strangers to him. 

Sadly perplexed, Larcum returned to his seat. 
He did not think he would be able to continue 
his search in the other cars at the time, and 
somewhat downcast by his failure, he en- 
deavored to think calmly over his problems. A 
careful search through his pockets revealed the 
fact that he had exactly eight shillings in his 
possession. Grimly, Larcum looked at the sil- 


A TRAIN FOR TEE NORTE 197 


ver pieces in his hand, and smiled as he thought 
how little they would avail now. Still he had 
no thought of giving up. There must be some 
way out of his difficulties; and, if there was a 
way, it surely could be found, and he would find 
it, he decided. 

In the same compartment with him were two 
men, apparently father and son. When they 
arose, he concluded from the words of the elder 
man that they were to go to the dining-car- 
riage.^’ The word reminded Larcum that he, 
too, had not had any dinner. He was hungry, 
and yet he hesitated to follow his fellow-travel- 
ers. He drew his money from his pocket, 
glanced ruefully at it, and then thrust it back 
and started at once for the car in which din- 
ner was to be served. He assured himself that 
whatever might happen he would be in better 
condition to meet it if he first should have din- 
ner. This wise decision was seconded by his 
inner feelings. 

To his surprise he found the train a cor- 
ridor. ’ ’ When he entered what he supposed to 
be the diner, he stopped and looked about him 
for a vacant place at one of the tables. The ap- 
pearance of the tables and people was not invit- 
ing; but, as he hesitated a moment, a waiter said 


198 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


to him, The second-class and first-class dining- 
carriages hare hup hahead, sir.’’ 

‘ * Thank you, ’ ’ replied Larcum cordially, and 
he at once moved forward. In the second-class 
car he hesitated a moment as he thought of the 
few shillings in his pocket, and then said grimly 
to himself, ‘ ‘ If I shall be better off when I have 
dinner, then I shall he a good deal better off if I 
have a good dinner. I’ll go to the first-class 
diner. That isn’t too fine for an American, 
I’m sure.” 

However, as he drew near the end of the car, 
Larcum stopped abruptly. Directly in front of 
him he saw Armstrong’s friend — the very man 
for whom he was searching — seated alone at 
one of the smaller tables in the second-class 
car. Instantly Larcum seated himself opposite 
the man, and then took up the menu card, not so 
much to study the list of viands as to give him- 
self an opportunity to watch the man before 
him, and to think of the best plan of broaching 
the subject in his mind. He realized that it 
was one thing to be face to face with this man, 
and another to approach him in such a way as 
to obtain any information. 









The very man for whom he was searching. — Page 198. 




CHAPTER XVm 


STEANDED 

The first course of his dinner had been served 
before Larcum ventured to speak to the man 
seated opposite him at the table. Meanwhile, 
Larcum had been quietly watching the stranger, 
who, apparently, was young, not more than 
twenty-five years of age, having dark eyes and 
hair. He was well dressed, and his bearing 
was that of a gentleman. As far as he was able 
to judge, Larcum concluded that the man had 
not recognized him; or, if he had, he had most 
successfully concealed the fact. 

Can you tell me when we are due in 
Rugby? Larcum inquired as he glanced up at 
his fellow-traveler. 

‘‘I’m sorry, but I am not able to tell you,” 
replied the stranger pleasantly. 

“ Only a part of the train goes there, I un- 
derstand,” suggested Larcum. 

“ Quite so.” 

“ Where does the other section go? ” 

199 


200 FOVE BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


ti There are several sections, and all do not 
go to the same destination/’ 

Do some of the carriages go to Liver- 
pool? ” 

“ I fancy they do, though I am not positive.” 

How far is Liverpool from York? ” 

“ I do not think I ever went over that road; 
I cannot say.” 

The man certainly was non-committal, and 
Larcum felt that he was not making much 
progress. He must change his tactics, he de- 
cided. All this country is very different 

from America,” he suggested, after a brief 
silence. 

So I fancy,” replied the stranger. His at- 
titude was one of indifference, and his interest 
apparently had not been aroused by the sug- 
gestion implied in the reference to the land 
from which the young stranger and Lee had 
come. 

“ Where is most of the coal mined in Eng- 
land? ” inquired Larcum in apparent innocence. 

The best coal is found in Wales — about 
Cardiff. There are a good many mines of 
‘ ordinary ’ coal in the north of England. New- 
castle-on-the-Tyne is one of the largest shipping 
ports.” 


STRANDED 


201 


I have heard that the mines there extend 
several miles under the bottom of the sea.’^ 

I, too, have been informed they did.’^ 
Larcum was not making much progress. 
Whether the man was merely distant or was 
trying to evade further conversation, he was 
unable to decide. He was not cast down by his 
lack of success, however, and after a brief 
silence^ he said, Are these coal mines all 
owned by the Englishmens^ 

Naturally.’’ The stranger even now was 
not evincing any interest, and for a moment 
Larcum felt almost baffled. I wonder if it is 
possible for one to secure per-mission to go 
down into the mines ? ” he inquired. 

I understand no one outside the company 
is permitted to make the descent.” 

That’s too bad.” 

Are you particularly interested in the 
mines? ” The man asked the question in such 
a natural manner that Larcum still was puzzled. 

Not for myself. My line is railroads. I 
am connected with the great system of the T. G. 
and P. in America. Perhaps you have heard of 
the line? ” 

The stranger merely shook his head, but did 
not otherwise reply. 


202 FOVE BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘It’s one of our largest and longest sys- 
tems,” said Larcum, annoyed by the man’s in- 
ditference. “ It crosses the continent.” 

“ Indeed? ” 

“ Yes, sir. Some Englishmen came to Amer- 
ica not long ago to study our railway system. 
When they came back, they reported that they 
had not found much to learn from us in rail- 
roading.” 

“ I fancy our railways are the best.” The 
calm air of superiority, the real or affected in- 
difference was almost more than Larcum was 
able to endure. A tart response arose to his 
lips, but by an effort he restrained his impulse 
to enlarge upon the advantages and superiority 
of his own country. The man was manifestly 
about to depart from the dining-car and, as yet, 
Larcum had learned nothing. He was well-nigh 
baffled by the stranger ’s distant manner, and ir- 
ritated by it as well. He was determined, how- 
ever, not to be balked without another attempt 
to learn something from the man he was follow- 
ing. It was with that purpose in mind that he 
had made his sudden departure from London. 

“ Do you think you can get word to Mr. Arm- 
strong? ” the young traveler suddenly inquired, 
determined no longer to ‘ ‘ beat about the bush, ’ ’ 


STRANDED 


203 


as he explained the matter to himself. He was 
peering intently at the man, keenly alert for the 
result of his query which he was positive would 
be somewhat startling. 

‘ Armstrong What Armstrong, may I 
inquire? ’’ replied the stranger calmly. I do 
not recollect any man of that name. ^ ’ 

Boyd Armstrong. You know him, don’t 
you? ” 

“ I cannot say that I do.” 

‘‘ Why, then, did you pay his bill for him at 
the Carlton? ” 

Why did I pay his bill? I fancy I have 
enough to do to pay my own.” 

<< Why did you pay it? ” persisted Larcum. 

You are mistaken” 

“ No sir! I am not mistaken.” 

^ ‘ Pardon me. I do not see why I should pro- 
long this conversation.” 

You don’t get away from me that way! ” 
exclaimed Larcum in a low voice, as the man 
prepared to rise from his seat at the table. 
^ ‘ Sit down a moment ! It may save you trouble 
in the end.” 

The man apparently hesitated a moment, and 
then resumed his seat. His manner was un- 
changed, though Larcum was positive that he 


204 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


was able to detect a momentary flash in the dark 
eyes. The expression, however, instantly 
passed, and there was little more than an air 
of bored indifference when he again faced Lar- 
cum across the table. What is it you wish? 
he said blandly. 

‘‘ I want you to tell me where Boyd Arm- 
strong is. ’ ’ 

‘‘ I have already explained to you that I do 
not know the man. ’ ’ 

Do you deny that you paid his bill at the 
Carlton? 

‘‘ I am not accustomed to pay any bills but 
my own.^^ 

You do not answer my question.’’ 

^ ‘ Then you will never have it answered as far 
as I am concerned. ’ ’ 

That is easily said,” retorted Larcum in a 
low voice that did not entirely conceal his anger. 

With your kind permission, I will now with- 
draw, ’ ’ began the man, as he made as if he was 
about to arise. 

Not yet! ” 

‘‘ What do you want? ” demanded the man 
coldly. It was plain that he, too, was becom- 
ing angry, and the very fact that he still re- 
mained seated at once strengthened Larcum ’s 


STRANDED 


205 


determination. As the other man became 
angry, Larcnm became calm and cool. 

I want yon to tell me where I can find Arm- 
strong.’’ 

Yon silly ass ” 

Never mind all that! ” interrnpted Larcnm 
sharply. Jnst answer me.” 

‘V’Pon my word, this is insnfferable ! The 
sheer impndence of yon Yankees is ” 

Never mind that, either! ” again Larcnm 
broke in. All I want is to have my qnestion 
answered. Yon may save tronble by giving it 
to me now. ’ ’ 

And if yon do not receive it! ” 

‘ ‘ There are other ways of getting it. ’ ’ 

Qnite so. For example! ” 

Oh, the police and some of my friends in 
the British army are already at work. I think 
the American minister will be able to help, too. 
Yon see, ^ there is more than one way to skin a 
cat.’ ” 

I do not grasp yonr meaning.” 

‘ Qnite so,’ ” langhed Larcnm. Yon nn- 
derstood my qnestion.” 

‘‘ Is this man, Armstrong, to whom yon refer, 
an American! ” 

Yon know he is.” 


206 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘ ^ What is the cause of your eagerness to find 
him? 

You know that, too.’^ 

And you fancy I can inform you as to his 
whereabouts? ’’ 

‘‘ I don’t ‘ fancy I know.” 

You are mistaken, sir.” 

Am I? ” laughed Larcum, confident now 
that his object was gained. 

You not only are mistaken, you are a silly 
and insufferable ass! You are typical of the 
crude, raw, ill-bred men that every year flock 
into England from the States. Life in England 
is almost unbearable because of them.” 

Perhaps,” laughed Larcum mockingly, 
‘ ‘ they do fall below in the matter of politeness. 
After listening to you just now, I am willing to 
believe that it is not quite up to the mark. But 
what I want to know is whether or not you are 
going to answer my question? ” 

I am not, sir! ” 

Larcum ’s face betrayed his anger, and for a 
moment the two sat silently glaring at each 
other. Both were angry, and, as a consequence, 
it was impossible for either to think calmly. 
Larcum ’s anxiety for his missing friend, as well 
as his conviction that the man before him could 


STRANDED 


207 


give him information that would afford a clew 
even if it did not provide a solution for his per- 
plexing problem, increased his indignation. And 
yet the young traveler was thoroughly per- 
plexed. Threats apparently did not alarm the 
stranger, and, more than that, were childish, as 
Larcum well knew. But what was he to do? 
The man evidently did not intend to reply to his 
question, and Larcum, for the present, at least, 
was powerless to compel him to do so against 
his will. 

The tension was abruptly broken when the 
man said quietly, Pardon me; but if you in- 
tend to alight at Eugby, you would do well to 
look after your luggage. ’ ’ 

Is this Eugby? ’’ said Larcum hastily, as 
he peered out of the window of the car. He 
could see that the train was entering some city, 
and even now was aware that the speed was 
slackening. 

It is,^’ replied the man as he arose. 

Turning to the waiter, Larcum inquired of 
him the name of the station they were approach- 
ing, and was informed by him that the place was 
Eugby. The stranger, who now had disap- 
peared, having gone to some car in the rear of 
the dining-car, had been correct. 


208 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


For a moment Larcum stood by the table 
thinking earnestly over his difficulties. If he 
had had any money in his pockets, he would 
have remained on the train, sought out the man 
with whom he had been talking, and would have 
followed him no matter where he went. As it 
was, however, Larcum realized that he had less 
than four shillings in his possession — something 
less than a dollar in American money — and to 
follow the man for the present was out of the 
question. If he should leave the train at Eugby, 
his pecuniary resources would soon be bettered, 
because he could telegraph Scott to send him 
more money. 

The train was stopping. Without any 
further thought, Larcum at once departed, and 
in a brief time was standing on the platform of 
the station watching the crowd of passengers 
that had left the train, which already was draw- 
ing out of the place on its way northward. If 
it had not been for his anxiety for Lee, Larcum 
would have looked lightly upon his experiences. 
He was not easily daunted, and his training 
had been of a character that did not make him 
give up easily. Inquiring of the guard where 
he might obtain a cab to take him into the town, 
which was about a mile away, he soon secured 


STRANDED 


209 


what he desired, and was being driven into 
Rugby. In reply to the cabby’s question as to 
where he should take him, Larcum said : 

Which is the best hotel in town? ” 

The Royal George, sir.” 

Then take me there.” 

“ Very good, sir,” replied the driver. 

In a brief time the cab halted before the Royal 
George. Larcum gave the driver a shilling, 
then added a sixpence for a tip. An additional 
sixpence was given the boy ” — a trembling 
old porter — for showing him to his room after 
he had duly registered, and then the young trav- 
eler stood for a moment and looked about him. 

‘‘ Probably some day I’ll look back at my stay 
in Rugby and have a good laugh over it,” he 
said to himself. Just now it doesn’t seem 
very funny. Let me see, I have less than a half- 
dollar in money. I have lost in my chase of my 
man, and Scott and Jack will be looking after 
me as well as after Lee, pretty quick. The first 
thing for me to do is to wire the boys and get 
some money. That’s easy,” he added lightly, 
as he at once departed from the room to send 
his message. 


CHAPTER XIX 


LAECUM BKOWN AT EUGBY 

Relieved when his message begging Scott to 
forward ten pounds immediately had been 
sent, Larcum, despite his lack of comforts, 
soon retired to his room in the Royal George, 
and slept soundly throughout the night. In the 
morning the spirits of the young traveler were 
high, although he virtually was held a prisoner 
in Rugby until the expected remittance from 
his friends in London should arrive. 

His telegram, and the tip which he gave his 
waiter at breakfast, reduced Larcum ’s funds to 
a few coppers. The young traveler, however, 
did not feel like a pauper when he departed from 
the hotel to look about the town, which he was 
more eager to see than any other part of Eng- 
land, outside of London. 

His first walk was along some quaint old 
streets in the little city which, upon inquiry, 
he learned contained about fifteen thousand peo- 
ple. The streets themselves were somewhat 
210 


LARCUM BROWN AT RUGBY. 211 


narrow, and many of the shops were of a char- 
acter that would naturally appeal most strongly 
to the boys of the Eugby School. Larcum found 
himself picturing the scenes which the lads pre- 
sented when they assembled in the tuck 
and grub ’’ shops; for he learned, even before 
he visited the famous school, that the English 
schoolboys were as fond of their own peculiar 
names of places and men that in any way were 
connected with the institution which they at- 
tended, as American boys are of theirs. 

Sauntering on his way, Larcum soon entered 
a street that at once appealed strongly to him 
because of its attractiveness. The houses were 
comparatively new, all of brick, and every 
one having its wall in front of the little flower 
garden, which every place boasted, as well as a 
higher brick wall along the sides that separated 
the grounds from their neighbors’. Shrubs, 
flowers, and the ever-present roses made a most 
attractive spot of every little yard. Behind 
many of the houses he could see that carefully 
tended gardens, larger than those in front, were 
a part of the possessions of the owners. The 
entire street was attractive, and Larcum greatly 
enjoyed his walk even before he turned into the 
entrance to the school. 


212 FOVR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Larcuin’s feeling of surprise when, at last, 
he found himself within the grounds of the 
school, whose name had been familiar to 
him almost from his earliest boyhood, was 
great. He could see massive buildings 
with imposing towers — structures that bore 
the marks of centuries, new buildings that were 
not yet completed, and beyond them all the level 
playing-fields and slopes of lawn, and great 
trees that doubtless had sheltered the lads who 
had attended the Eugby school more than a 
century ago. As we know, Larcum was not 
largely given to sentiment, and age, of itself, 
did not often compel his respect ; but now, as he 
followed the winding pathway and turned into a 
court that bore evidences of the many years 
that had elapsed since the hand of man had 
first wrought there, even he was somewhat sub- 
dued by the sight. He really at last was visit- 
ing the famous school where Tom Brown’s ex- 
periences had been recorded; where Thomas 
Arnold had left the impress of his gentle and 
earnest spirit upon pupils who had later given 
him due honor for the successes they won. To 
Larcum the place was far more impressive than 
any of those he had seen since his arrival in the 
islands. Indeed, the young American who had 


LARCUM BROWN AT RUGBY 213 


made his boast that he did not care to see 
graveyards, or monuments, or the place where 
J ohn was bom or Peter was buried, but wanted 
to see what the Englishmen of to-day were do- 
ing or could do,’’ was exceedingly quiet when, 
passing through one of the buildings, he found 
himself looking across an open court that was 
surrounded by groups of stone buildings that 
showed in their appearance how venerable they 
were. 

For a time he stood looking about him at the 
cloisters, the massive tower in one corner of 
the court, the low buildings, only three stories 
high, as well as at the pathways that led diagon- 
ally across the open space. No one was to be 
seen, for Larcum’s visit was in the time of the 

long vacation,” and the boys had departed 
for their homes only a few days before. Sud- 
denly, Larcum perceived a boy, a little younger 
than he, approaching from the cloisters. As he 
drew near the young American he stopped, and 
said cordially, ^ ^ Good morning. ’ ’ 

Good morning,” responded Larcum; then 
he added, ‘ ‘ I am just looking about the Eugby 
School. I did not find any guide ” — he did not 
add that he was in no condition, financially, to 
employ one. ‘‘ I am trying to see what I can 


214 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


for myself. Every American is interested in 
Tom Brownes school.’’ 

^ ^ So I have heard, ’ ’ replied the young Briton 
pleasantly. We, too, are interested. I am a 
member of the sixth form.” 

Are you in school? ” inquired Larcum, in- 
terested at once. 

Yes, sir.” 

Larcum was strongly drawn to the young 
Englishman, who was manifestly courteous, and 
it was equally evident that he was proud of his 
school. He was a strong, vigorous specimen of 
young manhood, not so tall or so heavy 
as his visitor, but his entire bearing and pres- 
ence indicated the possession of strength and 
breeding, and his manner was most attractive. 
Larcum was at once strongly drawn to him. 

If you have time to spare I shall be glad to 
show you about the school,” continued the 
English boy. 

I wish you would,” said Larcum eagerly; 
‘ ‘ that is, if you have time. ’ ’ 

I have till three o’clock this afternoon,” 
said the Eugby boy with a smile. “ There 
are eight ditferent ways of getting out of 
town by train, but it so happens that the 
particular one I want is not available until 


LARCUM BROWN AT RUGBY 215 


the middle of the afternoon. I am at yonr 
service.’’ 

Thank you. You don’t understand what 
this means to me. I have always wanted to see 
Eugby, and now to have one of the Eughy fel- 
lows show me around is great luck. It’s more 
than I bargained for.” 

It was manifest that his volunteer conductor 
was perplexed by some of Larcum’s expressions, 
but there was no question as to his willingness 
to show the young American about. 

This,” he explained, ‘‘ is the old quad- 
rangle. For myself, I like it better than I do 
the new quadrangle, which I will show you soon. 
The new is more ornate — and glaring. I never 
cross this quadrangle without thinking that I 
am the heir of the ages. It carries me back al- 
most to 1567, when Eugby was founded in ac- 
cordance with the will of Lawrence Sheriffe, 
though these buildings do not date back to 
him.” 

Who was he? ” 

‘ ‘ A citizen and grocer of London. He was a 
worthy and a sturdy man, in spite of the fact 
that he was in trade. Have you ever read 
‘ Foxe’s Book of Martyrs ’? ” 

‘‘ I never have.” 


216 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


“ Neither have laughed the boy; but I 
am told that Lawrence Sheriffe is referred to 
in the book, and that he was a man of courage, 
and no ‘ time-server.’ I fancy some of his 
spirit has been in the school ever since it was 
founded.” Eagerly the boy went on to tell of 
the old big school, and then conducted his vis- 
itor to the Arnold Library. ‘‘ Most of Doctor 
Arnold’s books — ^he bequeathed his library to 
the school — are now in the Temple Eeading- 
room. I’ll show you that soon. These classical 
books are in the same quarters, however, where 
Doctor Arnold had them.” 

He must have been a great man,” said Lar- 
cum. 

Yes, sir,” responded the Eugby boy simply. 
^ ‘ Here is a marble bust of him. ’ ’ 

Larcum stopped before the marble image, and 
gazed long and earnestly at the silent face that 
seemed almost to be looking into his own. What 
gentleness, what sincerity and earnestness were 
there, he thought. No wonder his boys loved 
Thomas Arnold. 

With manifest pride the conductor led the 
way to the new quadrangle, to the museum, and 
then to the new speech hall, to the new row and 
new top row, to the dining-haU and the dor- 


LARCUM BROWN AT RUGBY. 217 


mitories — to all the places of special interest to 
a stranger. 

How many boys are in the dormitories? 
inquired Larcum. 

‘‘ I think about eighty.’’ 

Why, I thought Rugby was a large 
school! ” exclaimed Larcum in surprise. 

How many boys do you have altogether? ” 
Nearly six hundred.” 

“ WLere do they live? ” 

In the houses of the masters. I am in 
Georgie ’s house myself. I had to come back to 
Rugby to-day to see if I could help my younger 
brother to get in there. He did not expect to 
enter until a year later, but our plans at home 
were suddenly changed.” 

“ ‘ Georgie ’s house ’? What is that? ” 

Mr. Brooks’s house,” explained the con- 
ductor, smiling as he spoke. Every one in 
Rugby knows it as Georgie ’s house. About 
forty or fifty boys live with a master; so, you 
see, there are a good many houses. ’ ’ 

Where are they? ” 

Scattered about Rugby.” 

‘‘ How old are the boys in the lowest form? ” 
About twelve.” 

“ How old when they graduate? ” 


218 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


The sixth form boys are about eighteen.’’ 

Do they make you work hard? ” 

“ Indeed, they do. But it is worth all it 
costs. Eugby, for the past five years, has taken 
more scholarships at Oxford and Cambridge 
than any other public school in England. Here 
is something that may interest you. This is 
the dormitory in which Tom Brown slept,’'’ the 
conductor added, as he opened the door into a 
large room, plain and almost bare in its white 
walls. ‘ ‘ This is the room in which Tom Brown 
— ^his real name was Hughes, as you know — 
and Arthur slept. Eight over there was Tom’s 
cot.” 

Larcum looked about him with interest. Nine 
iron cots were ranged along the sides of the 
room. “ This is where Arthur had his troubles 
when he knelt to say his prayers, isn’t it? ” he 
inquired. 

‘ ‘ Yes, this is the very place. The boys threw 
boots at him, but Tom came to his rescue. I’ll 
show you in a little while where Tom had his 
fight. Every Eugby boy can do that, you 
know,” laughed the guide. I’ll show you 
Tom Brown’s name cut by himself in one 
of the panels, if you would like to see 
it.” 


LARCUM BROWN AT RUGBY 219 


I certainly would,’’ replied Larcum, as he 
followed his new friend from the room. 

‘‘ The head master eats with the boys once a 
term,” explained the guide, as he led the way 
downstairs. 

Do you have the fagging system now? ” 
inquired Larcum, as the boys started toward 
the playing-fields. 

‘‘ Indeed, we do. Every hoy in the lower 
forms has his turn. He is the fag of some one 
of the monitors. They are the leaders, you un- 
derstand, and usually are sixth-form fellows.” 

What does the fag do? ” 

‘ ‘ Oh, he runs errands, looks after the sleep- 
ing-rooms, brings up breakfast, makes the fires, 
and a few such things. One of the monitors 
steps outside his room and calls, ‘ Bo-o-y ! ’ or 
‘ F-a-a-g ! ’ The last one to come to the call 
is ‘it.’” 

“ I don’t like that! It never would do in 
America. Our hoys wouldn’t stand for it. And 
are the sixth-form boys allowed to whip the lit- 
tle fellows? ” 

“ Certainly.” 

“We wouldn’t stand for that, either.” 

The conductor laughed as he said, “ I’ll show 
what we do. In a room back there. I’ll show 


220 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


you the rod with which a fellow is ‘ caned ’ and 
the bundle of twigs with which he is ‘ birched.’ 
It’s not so bad. The disgrace is the worst. I 
don’t believe the boys would vote to have whip- 
ping given up if the chance was given them. 
Here are the playing-fields.” 

‘ ‘ And they are great ! ’ ’ exclaimed Larcum, 
as with keen interest he looked about him over 
the fields, smooth and green. What do you 
play? ” 

‘‘ Tennis, football, fives, and squash. Every 
fellow has to play unless he has a physician’s 
certificate that he is not fit.” 

‘‘ Do you play other schools? ” 

“ Oh, yes; we have games with Shrewsbury 
and sometimes with other schools. But most of 
our matches are between the forms or houses; 
or the sixth form plays against the school.” 

Do you do much in track? ” 

Yes, the cross-country run is fine I ” 

What time can you do the hundred-yard 
dash in? ” 

Not so good as you do in America. We 
are strong in the long-distance runs.” 

Maybe that is just the difference between 
England and Ajnerica,” suggested Larcum. 
“ You are strong for a long pull and we are 


LARCUM BROWN AT RUGBY 221 


quick for a spurt. We take hold easily, but 
sometimes let go just as easily. You are slow 
in taking hold, and just as slow to let go. We 
play the Rugby game in America.^’ 

So I have heard, but it is not quite like ours, 
I understand.’’ 

I say,” said Larcum, looking at his watch 
and forgetting that he had only a few coppers 
in his pocket, come on back to the Royal 
George and have luncheon with me. ’ ’ 


CHAPTER XX 


A SURPBISE 

Thank you; I shall be pleased to do that,” 
said the boy, who had so kindly and with such 
manifest pride shown Larcum about the Rugby 
grounds. I say,” he added, my name is 
Harger-Hyde. ” 

And mine is Brown — Larcum Brown.” 

America must be a great country. I have 
an uncle over there.” 

Where does he live I ” 

‘ ‘ Brazil, I think, is the name of the place. ’ ’ 

Do you mean the country in South Amer- 
ica? ” 

“ I fancy that is correct.” 

‘ ‘ But that is in South America — ^not North, ’ ’ 
laughed Larcum. ‘‘ It’s farther from the place 
where I live than Rugby is.” 

Young Mr. Harger-Hyde showed his surprise 
at the statement, but he was too polite to pro- 
test. I have heard,” he added, that you 
have buildings in New York so high that they 
are called skyscrapers. Is that true? ” 

222 


A SURPRISE 


223 


“ That is what they are called/^ ac- 
knowledged Larcum with a laugh. 

How high are they! ” 

‘‘ Forty-five stories.’’ 

‘‘ That is most extraordinary! Why, that is 
extremely remarkable I I fancy it must be very 
difficult to use such buildings.” The astonish- 
ment of the young Englishman was apparent in 
the expression of his face, but he was too cour- 
teous to question openly the statements to which 
he had just listened. 

‘‘ Oh, we have elevators — ‘ lifts,’ you call 
them in England — that carry us up in great 
shape. Some of the elevators are ‘ expresses,’ 
and do not stop until they reach the sixteenth 
story.” 

‘‘ That is extraordinary! ” exclaimed the 
young Englishman. What do the people on 
the lower floors do! They must have a difficult 
climb.” 

‘‘ Oh, there are ‘ local ’ elevators for them. 
Some stop at every floor, you understand.” 

Young Mr. Harger-Hyde did not act as if he 
fully understood, but his interest in the astound- 
ing statements of his companion was so pro- 
nounced that, apparently, he was not willing to 
change the conversation. ‘‘ I fancy every one 


224 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


in America must be wealthy,’’ he suggested. 
‘ ‘ So many people from the States come to Eng- 
land every year, and they spend money so freely 
that there must be a vast supply somewhere.” 

There is my entire fortune! ” laughed Lar- 
cum, as he drew the few copper coins from his 
pocket and displayed them to his companion. 

‘‘ ’Pon my word, you are in a fix, aren’t you? 
I could not think of accepting your hospitality 
under such conditions.” 

‘‘ Don’t trouble yourself about that. There’s 
more where that came from.” 

‘‘You mean you have more in your pocket? ” 

“No. I’m thankful to say I haven’t any 
more coppers to carry around with me. ’ ’ 

“ Oh, yes, I have heard of your letters of 
credit. You can draw on them in any city, I 
understand.” 

“ That’s great! That’s superb! ” exclaimed 
Larcum hastily. “ Here I have been priding 
myself on my business experience, and I never 
once thought of that. I’ve got a letter of credit 
right in my pocket, and here I have been wiring 
to London for money. The T. G. & P. will be 
proud of me. I’m glad Scott and Jack are not 
here to guy me.” 

Larcum ’s companion looked at him in per- 


A SURPRISE 


225 


plexity, not in the least comprehending the 
meaning of his strange expressions; but when 
the young traveler said, Do you know where 
the bank in Rugby is? he instantly replied, 
‘‘ Certainly. Which bank do you want? ’’ 

Larcum drew his letter of credit from his 
pocket, looked at the list of names of banks from 
which money might be drawn by him, and at 
once gave the name of his bank. 

Yes, sir; I can take you there. It is not far 
from here.” 

‘‘ Then we’ll go there right away,” said Lar- 
cum, greatly relieved. 

In a brief time the two boys turned into the 
bank to which Harger-Hyde led the way, and as 
soon as Larcum had proved his signature, he 
received ten pounds in gold and silver coin. ^ ‘ I 
may find some more for me at the Royal 
George,” he added laughingly. 

‘‘I’m fearful there will not be any money 
awaiting me there.” 

Relieved by the possession of means by which 
his plans could be carried out, Larcum laughed 
good-naturedly, and in a brief time the two 
boys were seated at a table in the dining-room 
of the hotel. 

That no telegrams or letters were awaiting 


226 FOVB BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


him, Larcum ascertained before he entered the 
room. He was puzzled and perplexed, but the 
suggestion of his new friend concerning the use 
of his letter of credit had proved to be so use- 
ful, that his immediate cause for anxiety was 
removed. 

While they were seated at the table, Larcum 
explained to the young Englishman a little of 
the difficulty that beset him. Harger-Hyde was 
interested and sympathetic, but his many ex- 
clamations of how very extraordinary and 
‘‘ how remarkable ’’ did not provide any rem- 
edy. ‘‘1^11 go up to London with you,’^ he sug- 
gested at last. 

“ That’s good of you,” replied Larcum; but 
I’m afraid it will not help me any.” 

‘ ^ I may be able to put you right. ’ ’ 

With whom? ” 

My father is there, and he may be able to 
tell you what to do.” 

Larcum explained that already he and his 
friends had sought the aid of the major, who 
had crossed the Atlantic with them, and that 
various agencies were already at work. 

‘ ‘ ’Pon my word, I never heard anything like 
it! ” said the young Englishman thoughtfully. 
‘‘ I have never known any one to be molested. 


A SURPRISE 


227 


It is not as it is with you in the States, I fancy. 
I attended a performance in London once, that 
was supposed to be a representation of life in 
the States.’^ 

‘‘ What was it — * The Wild West ’V’ 

‘‘ The very name. There were red Indians 

and what you call cattle boys ” 

‘‘ Cowboys,^’ suggested Larcum. 

‘ ‘ That is the term, I recollect now. The men 
were most expert riders and shots; but, some- 
how, I obtained an impression that life might 
not be altogether desirable where such people 
abounded. There was a stage-coach robbed, 
and some of the men had extraordinarily vil- 
lainous faces. Many of them had long hair, and 

there were knives and pistols in their belts ” 

Larcum laughed, and explained that the 
show was not a true representation of life 
in the States. It^s too bad that some of you 
people over here get your impressions of Amer- 
ica from such shows. It would be as true as a 
picture of London would be if an English troupe 
should come to America and give us the mur- 
ders in Whitechapel.’’ 

Indeed! I have always heard that the 
hunting in America was great; almost as great 
as it is in Africa.” 


228 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ You didn’t think the hunting was in the 
cities, did you? ” laughed Larcum. 

“ I am afraid my impression was somewhat 
vague. ’ ’ 

You must come over and see for yourself.” 

‘‘ I am sure it is very kind of you to invite 
me.” 

I must find out about the trains for Lon- 
don, ’ ’ said Larcum, as the hoys arose from their 
seats. 

Once more the young Englishman volunteered 
to accompany Larcum on his journey, but as the 
latter again thanked him and explained that, 
for the present at least, his aid was not re- 
quired, the matter was compromised by young 
Harger-Hyde writing his address on his card 
and obtaining Larcum ’s promise that if the need 
should arise he would not fail to make the fact 
known to him. 

As the train which Larcum was to take left 
Rugby within an hour, the boys parted, each 
warmly thanking the other for what he had 
done, and both expressing the hope that soon 
they might meet again. The young American 
then paid his bill at the Royal Greorge, secured a 
cab, and was driven to the great station which 
of itself indicated how important a railway junc- 


A SURPRISE 


229 


tion the little city of Eugby was. After they 
had waited a half-hour the train arrived, but 
it was so crowded with passengers that even in 
the first-class cars Larcum found difficulty in 
obtaining a seat. In a brief time the train was 
again in motion, and Larcum was being carried 
swiftly toward the great city. 

Larcum ’s thoughts were so busied with his re- 
cent experiences, that at first he gave slight 
heed to any of the people that filled the com- 
partment. Now that he was on his way to Lon- 
don again, the unexplained disappearance of 
Lee, and the fear that he might be in some seri- 
ous trouble, were uppermost in his mind. What 
could be the meaning? Why had Lee failed to 
inform his friends? Larcum thought of acci- 
dents, of sudden illness which might have seized 
his friend, of foul play, and many other possi- 
bilities. And then, too, the words and actions 
of his recent fellow-traveler, who had paid Arm- 
strong’s bill at the Carlton — ^what was the ex- 
planation of them all? A feeling of chagrin 
that the man had so easily eluded him swept 
over Larcum, and he was in a frame of mind 
where the man might not have fared well 
at his hands if he had chanced to meet him 
then. 


230 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Suddenly, as Larcum looked up, he beheld the 
man himself seated in the compartment and 
calmly watching him. The sight was so start- 
ling, that for a moment Larcum was almost un- 
able to believe that it could be the same man 
whom he had followed as far as Eugby. The 
slight trace of a smile that appeared on the 
man’s face as he perceived the surprise of the 
young traveler confirmed his impression, and 
Larcum started to rise from his seat. The 
smile on the stranger’s face deepened as he saw 
the action, and Larcum ’s anger increased. As 
he glanced about him he was instantly reminded 
that it was impossible for him to address the 
man in the presence of others. He glared 
angrily at the stranger, but decided that for the 
time he must hold his peace. He quickly de- 
cided, however, that this time the man should 
not escape him. How it was that he should be 
on this train — an express to London — ^was at 
first perplexing until Larcum recollected how 
short the distances between the large cities of 
England were. The man might easily have 
gone to York and accomplished his tasks there, 
and now be on his way back to the great city. 
Whatever the explanation might be, one thing 
was decided, Larcum thought grimly, and that 


A SURPRISE 


231 


was that he would not permit the man to elude 
him. 

The swift train sped forward, and an hour 
elapsed without any one entering or leaving the 
compartment. The friend of Armstrong was 
reading a newspaper, and though his face was 
hidden most of the time, still Larcum was con- 
vinced that the stranger frequently glanced over 
its top, and that he was not unaware of the in- 
terest his presence aroused in the mind of the 
young traveler from the States. 

At last the train was approaching the vast 
city. Noisily it sped past suburbs, wi:h rows of 
brick houses all alike; dashed noisilz past the 
many junctions, and finally halted ii the huge 
station. Keenly alert now, Larcum irose when 
his fellow-passenger did, and was somewhat 
surprised to note that, apparently, tie man was 
not making any attempt to avoid hin. 

Indeed, when all were on the patform, the 
man turned to Larcum^ who was dose to him, 
and said quietly, I fancy you desire to have 
a word with me? ’’ 

That’s right. A good many. ” 

‘‘ Are you going to the Carltoi? ” 

‘‘ That depends.” 

Upon me, I fancy. Instead of calling a 


232 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


policeman to take you where you deserve to go, 
I am going^to invite you to ride with me. Come, 
and I will /get a cab.’’ 

Larcum; did not speak, and together they 
turned to i the exit. In a brief time a cab was 
secured, the order ‘ ^ to the Carlton ’ ’ was given, 
and Lardum and his companion were swiftly 
riding thjough the busy streets. 

Whai is it you wish to learn? ” said the 
man, tuning abruptly to Larcum. 

I waht to know where Armstrong is.” 

And if I tell you? ” 

‘‘ It will save trouble,” said Larcum quietly. 

The strapger laughed as he said, “ I am not 
certain as Ip that.” 

‘‘ I am! T 

Well, i^may be so. At all events, I am go- 
ing to tell yiu.” 

“ Where fe he? ” demanded Larcum, as the 
man beside am hesitated a moment. 

He sailei from Liverpool for New York 
this morning it ten o’clock.” 


CHAPTER XXI 


AN INTEEVIEW 

Foe a moment Larcum stared blankly at bis 
companion in the cab. The young traveler was, 
somehow, instantly convinced that the man had 
spoken truly, and that Armstrong had really 
sailed from Liverpool for the United States. 
If any doubt remained in his mind, it was dis- 
pelled when the man drew from his pocket the 
printed list of passengers that had sailed that 
day, and with an irritating laugh said, ‘‘ You 
can see for yourself that Mr. Armstrong has 
gone. His name is at the head of the list.’’ 

‘‘I’m not doubting your word. Hid Lee Har- 
ris sail with him? ” 

“ Who? ” said the man sharply. 

“ Lee Harris — the one you and Armstrong 
and all the rest seem to be fo anxious to be 
rid of.” 

“ I don’t know the man. Who is he? ” 

“ I can’t make out whether his name is in the 
list or not. It’s too dark, ’’said Larcum as he 
233 


234 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


tried to read the names printed on the paper 
which he held in his hand. 

I don’t recall the name,” said the stranger 
lightly. ‘‘Was there any reason why he should 
want to sail for the States with Mr. Arm- 
strong? ” 

“ We came over together; we ate at the same 
table.” 

“ Quite so.” The exultation of the man was 
so marked that it added to Larcum’s anger and 
perplexity^ He was dumfounded by the news; 
but as he Vas unaware whether or not Lee also 
had reallyl sailed, he decided not to say very 
much to thi man beside him. 

“ Do yoi want to go to the Carlton? ” in- 
quired the itranger. 

“ Yes.” \ 

For a brief time the cab was driven swiftly 
forward, whife neither Larcum nor the man be- 
side him spokB. The young American was too 
deeply trouble^to engage in conversation, and 
the other man Mainly was so content that he 
had no desire to Weak in upon Larcum’s silence. 

“ I think I’ll mble to New York,” he sug- 
gested at last. \ 

“ Why do you do that? ” said the man 
hastily. \ 


AN INTERVIEW 


235 


To Larcmn it was evident that his companion 
was startled by the suggestion, and the young 
traveler was convinced that he was alarmed as 
well. 

‘ ^ It may help, ’ ' he said quietly. 

Help what! ” 

You know as well or better than I do.’’ 

Look here, young man! You are making a 
mistake ” 

It won’t be the first time,” broke in Lar- 
cum. ‘‘ I have been a phenomenal success at 
that all my life. I could make a better 
mistake than any fellow of my age in the 
country. ’ ’ 

Yes, but you don’t want to ” 

‘‘ No, I don’t ‘ want ’ to ; but I feel it my duty 
to do it. You know that’s what my mother 
used to say to me — ‘ it hurt her more than it 
did me ’ — ^when upon divers and sundry occa- 
sions she forcefully applied certain corrective 
measures to my shrinking person.” Lar- 
cum was elated at the anxiety shown by 
his seatmate, and his own manner instantly 
responded. 

‘‘ Yes ; but ’pon my word, a man doesn’t want 
to make an ass of himself.” 

Quite so,” remarked Larcum soberly. 


236 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Sometimes that does not require an undue 
exertion . ' ’ 

Are you intending to cable! ’’ demanded 
the man abruptly. 

‘‘lam not certain. It depends.’’ 

‘ ‘ Upon what, may I inquire ? ’ ’ 

“ You may! ” assented Larcum cordially. 

“ Whether or not you ‘ understand ” 

“ Yes; quite so! Quite so! ” 

“ Do I understand you to say that you have 
abandoned your intention to cable! ” 

“ That I do not know.” 

“ Do not know what! ” asked the man, mani- 
festly perplexed. 

“ Whether or not you ‘ understand.’ That 
was the word you used, I think. ’ ’ 

“ Yes; but do you! ” 

“ Do I what! ” 

“ Plan to cable.” 

“ It might aid the police if I should.” Lar- 
cum was in better spirits now, and the anxiety 
of the man beside him was so manifest that he 
was determined to lead him on — “ to keep 
him guesing,” as he expressed it to him- 
self. 

“ What good will it do to cable the police in 
New York! ” 


AN INTERVIEW 


237 


They may be able to provide a warm wel- 
come for Mr. Armstrong.’’ 

He has nothing to fear from the police, I 
fancy. ’ ’ 

That will be lucky for him then.” 

Quite so. But why, then, trouble the po- 
lice? ” 

Did you ever hear what the Siam Elec- 
tricity Company, Limited, does? ” 

I fancy I have never even heard there was 
such a company. ’ ’ 

Well, there is. They have the simplest de- 
vice you ever heard of when your electric light 
goes out in Siam.” 

‘‘ I am a trifle obtuse, I fear ” 

Yes, yes,” assented Larcum; quite so. 
The Siamese have a notice posted in your room 
like this, ‘ Bangkok, sir, for the case that your 
electric light shall fail, we beg to send you, en- 
closed, a postcard which please send us at once 
when you find your light out. The company 
will then send you another post-card. Yours 
truly. Manager Siam Electricity Company, Lim- 
ited.’ ” 

‘‘ But I fail to see. I do not compre- 
hend ” 

Never mind, then.” 


238 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


But do you intend to cable! demanded 
the man angrily, as the cab now drew up in 
front of the Carlton and halted. 

‘‘ Don’t you want me to! ” 

‘ ^ It does not concern me. ’ ’ 

That is what I thought,” said Larcum 
lightly, as he stepped out of the cab. 

But you don’t want to make any unneces- 
sary trouble. ’ ’ 

That is true, indeed; I think I may safely 
say, ‘ quite so.’ ” 

‘‘Ah, yes. I was sure of that.” 

“ Every one that knows me at all usually 
comes to that conclusion.” 

“ Do I understand you to say you have aban- 
doned your intention to cable! ” 

“ I can’t say what you ‘ understood.’ I cer- 
tainly did not say any such thing.” 

The two were standing on the sidewalk in 
front of the hotel, talking in low tones, and ap- 
parently ignored by the passing throngs of 
people. 

“ Do you go in! ” at last the man inquired. 

“ Do I which! ” 

“ Are you stopping here! ” 

“ Stopping! Can’t you see that I haven’t 
moved! ” 


AN INTERVIEW 


239 


I fancied you were at the Metropole.’’ 

The man knew more than he had been willing 
to admit, Larcum instantly perceived, and it was 
possible that while the boys had been watching 
others, at the same time others had been watch- 
ing them. The thought did not tend to soothe 
the young traveler’s feelings. He turned 
abruptly, and facing the man said sharply, I 
intend to cable New York just as soon as I have 
word from my friends in London who have been 
working with the London police.” 

The man plainly was not startled by the im- 
plied statement that the police of the great city 
had already been set to work. 

When do you meet your friends! ” 

^ ‘ Come on inside. One of them may be here 
now,” replied Larcum, as he at once led the way 
within the hotel. 

Neither John nor Scott was to be seen in the 
lobby, however, and Larcum did not wish to 
leave his companion while he went in search 
for the boys. Sit down a minute,” he said 
abruptly. When the stranger took the seat in- 
dicated, Larcum said, “ Now, there is just one 
way out of this trouble and if you’ll deal fairly 
and squarely, I think everything can be settled 
here and now, and all right, too.” 


240 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


A faint trace of a smile appeared for an in- 
stant on the man’s face, but he did not reply. 

‘‘ Now, then, where is Lee Harris? ” 

‘ ^ I never heard of such a man until you men- 
tioned his name.” 

‘‘ Why did Armstrong sail for New York to- 
day? ” 

I fancy it was — to attend to his own af- 
fairs.” 

‘ ‘ Why did you pay his bill here ? ’ ’ 

Because — I was attending to my own af- 
fairs,” said the man drily. 

Why did Armstrong go north? ” 

^ ‘ I fancy he was sufficiently familiar with the 
geography of the British Isles to be aware that 
if he expected to sail from Liverpool, he must 
go north from London to take his steamer.” 
What made him cut his stay so short.” 

‘ ‘ I do not know that he did cut it short. ’ ’ 
What was his business here? ” 

‘‘ Whatever it may have been; I fancy — it 
was ” 

‘‘Was what? ” interrupted Larcum sharply. 

“ His own.” 

“ What is your name and address? ” 

“ If I do not give you the desired informa- 
tion? ” inquired the man. 


AN INTERVIEW 


241 


‘ ‘ I’ll make you I ’ ’ said Larcum in a low voice. 
He was angry now. 

‘ ^ Ton my word, you are preposterous ! What 
right have you, a bumptious young ass from the 
States, to stop a stranger and threaten him 
with bodily harm if he does not care to reply 
to every impertinent question you choose to 
ask? Ton my word, I repeat what I said, you 
are a silly ass. Don’t expect to frighten me! ” 
It will be the safest plan to answer my 
question,” said Larcum, his face white with 
anger, though he spoke in a low tone. 

^ ‘ That is the opinion, I fancy, of a conceited 
puppy.” 

Larcum rose abruptly, but, as he turned 
away, the man said sharply: Sit down here. 
I have something to say to you. ’ ’ 

Eestraining his anger, Larcum once more 
seated himself, and as he did so he glanced at 
the printed list of passengers which the stranger 
had given him. Under the A’s he saw the name 
of ‘‘ Boyd Armstrong,” and his impression that 
the man had spoken truly was confirmed. 

‘‘ I have no desire to bring trouble upon 
you,” said the man. Indeed, I am doing my 
utmost to prevent you from plunging into it.” 
You are very kind.” 


242 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 

The New York police cannot make any 
trouble for Mr. Armstrong.” 

Can’t they? ” 

‘‘ No, sir.” 

“ That remains to be seen. I have an idea 
that a word to Mr. Lee that his son had dis- 
appeared, and that the man who can explain 
his disappearance is to arrive in New York on 
the Car mania might at least interest him, if 
it didn’t do anything more.” 

‘ ‘ It might be a bit troublesome, I admit ; but 
there wouldn’t be anything with which to hold 
Mr. Armstrong. You have no specific charges. 

The London police are not ” 

Oh, they’re not? ” broke in Larcum. 
‘‘ You might ask the American consul or Major 
Clapham about that.” 

“ Major who? ” demanded the man. 

‘‘ Major Clapham. He took up the matter 
several days ago.” To Larcum the man 
seemed to be startled by the reference to the 
friend of the boys, but for a moment he was 
silent. 

At last he said quietly, If you could find 
your friend, would you be satisfied? ” 

Yes.” 

‘‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll make some 


AN INTERVIEW 


243 


inquiries myself, and if I can satisfy you to- 
morrow morning that he has not been harmed, 
will you agree to hold back your cablegram — 
at least till that time? ’’ 

‘‘ Till to-morrow morning? ’’ 

‘‘ Yes.’^ 

“ At what time? ’’ 

‘‘ Eleven o ’clock. 

Yes; I’ll agree to that.” 

Then, here is my name and address.” The 
stranger took a cardcase from his pocket and 
gave Larcum a card on which was engraved, 
“ John Eoss,” with the address of Lincoln’s 
Inn Fields. 

Are you a lawyer? ” he inquired quickly, 
as he noted the address. 

Before the man could reply the interview was 
interrupted by Scott who, discovering his friend, 
hastened with outstretched hand to greet him. 
Larcum responded eagerly, but when he turned 
to speak to the stranger the man was gone. 


CHAPTER XXn 


BAFFLED 

Stay here, Scott! ’’ called Larcum sharply, 
as he darted from the lobby and began to search 
for the missing friend of Armstrong. All his 
efforts to find the man, however, were without 
avail, and in a few minutes Larcum returned to 
the place where his companion was awaiting 
him. 

What’s awry, Larc? What is it? ” de- 
manded Scott as he arose. 

‘‘ Nothing, except that the fellow has gone.” 

What fellow? ” 

The friend of Armstrong.” 

Who is he? ” 

I don’t know.” 

“ You don’t know? How do you know, then, 
that he is Armstrong’s friend? ” 

‘‘ Scott,” said Larcum, ignoring the question, 
what have you heard from Lee? ” 

‘‘ Not a word.” 

‘‘ Haven’t you had any telegram? ” 

344 


BAFFLED 


245 


“ Not from him. We had word from two ho- 
tels in York that no one by the name of Lee 
Harris had registered within a month.’’ 

Has the major heard from any of his 
friends? ” 

He hadn’t received anything definite this 
afternoon. He telephoned ns that he is com- 
ing to the Metropole to-morrow morning. He 
may have something to say then. ’ ’ 

Larcum’s feeling of disappointment was 
manifest and keen. For a moment he was 
silent, and his depression was so contagions 
that Scott did not speak. 

‘‘ What’s that in yonr hand, Larc? ” inqnired 
Scott at last. 

That? Oh, that is a card which this friend 
of Armstrong jnst gave me. It gives his name 
and address,” he added, as he glanced at the 
card again. 

I thonght yon said yon didn’t know his 
name? ” 

I didn’t; and I’m not snre I have it now.” 
<< Why not? Didn’t he give it to yon? ” 

Oh, yes, he gave it all right, bnt I’m not 
dead certain it is his card. However, I’ll know 
more to-morrow morning at eleven.” 

What do yon mean? ” 


246 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Come on over to tlie Metropole. Jack is 
there, isn’t he? ” 

Yes. He’ll be glad to see you. He had 
begun to think it was about time for him to 
start on your trail. Then I should have had 
to follow him, and before you knew it, all four 
of us would be following one another all over 
the British Isles. If it wasn’t that I really feel 
worried about Lee, I’d have a good laugh over 
the whole thing. ’ ’ 

In a brief time the boys entered the Metro- 
pole, and were seated together in the dining- 
room. Then Larcum was compelled to relate 
the story of his experiences after his sudden de- 
parture from London. He frequently was in- 
terrupted by his friends, who had many ques- 
tions to ask, and when at last he had given his 
account in full, not one of the three boys felt 
that the solution of the strange experience 
of Lee was much, if any, nearer an explanation 
than it had been before. 

The following morning the boys waited until 
ten-thirty for the major to come, and then it 
was decided that Jack should remain in the 
Metropole, while Scott went with Larcum to Lin- 
coln ’s Inn Fields to see John Boss, according to 
the plan made the preceding evening. Neither 


BAFFLED 


247 


of the boys was confident that the man would 
be true to the word he had given, but it was 
deemed wiser to go to the place, for a test at 
least. Accordingly, both boys were soon on 
the top of a bus, riding along the Strand on their 
way to the designated place. 

When they alighted, they inquired of a po- 
liceman as to their way, and were directed to 
the building in which the office indicated on Lar- 
cum’s card was located. Climbing the stairway 
they soon came to the rooms for which they 
were seeking, and both were somewhat sur- 
prised when they read the name of John Eoss 
painted on the door before which they halted. 

It’s all right, Larc,” suggested Scott con- 
fidently. 

Tell later about that,” growled Larcum, as 
he opened the door. ‘ ‘ We want to see Mr. John 
Eoss,” he added, as he addressed the office boy. 

‘ ‘ Very good ; quite so, ’ ’ replied the lad, as he 
took their cards and departed into an inner of- 
fice after he had politely requested his visitors 
to be seated. In a brief time the lad returned 
and said, Mr. Eoss will see you. Come this 
way, please.” 

The young travelers followed their diminu- 
tive guide as he led them to an inner office, and 


248 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


when they entered the room Larcum was sur- 
prised to see before him the man who had 
given him the card the night before in the 
Carlton. 

Good morning, young gentlemen. What 
can I do for you to-day? ” he inquired affably. 

We came because you told us to come. You 
said you would explain what had become of our 
friend, Lee Harris,’’ said Larcum. 

‘ ‘ So I did. The appointment had very nearly 
escaped my recollection. Pray, be seated. ’ ’ 

As Larcum and Scott took the seats indi- 
cated, the former said curtly, Where is Lee, 
Mr. Eoss? ” 

I am unable to imagine how you think I 
know. ’ ’ 

‘‘ If you don’t, then there is no use in staying. 
I’ll go and send my cablegrams to America.” 

I told you last night that was silly. I do 
not know that I can add anything to that state- 
ment.” 

You said you would tell us where he is,” 
said Larcum. 

Pardon me. I said I would tell you that 
he had not been harmed. ’ ’ 

Where is he? ” 

I do not know.” 


BAFFLED 


249 


‘ ^ Come, Scott ! ^ ’ said Larciim sharply, turn- 
ing as he spoke to his friend. 

‘‘ Wait a moment. You people from the 
States are most extraordinarily impatient,^’ re- 
sponded Mr. Eoss. I have a few questions to 
ask.’^ 

“ What are they? ’’ 

Why did this Lee Harris come to Eng- 
land? 

To see about some of his property.^’ 

‘‘Was the property in coal? 

“ Yes, sir.’^ 

“ It’s too bad so many Americans are misled 
by men who are trying to deceive them.” The 
remark did not appear to require any comment, 
and both boys accordingly were silent. 

“ May I inquire the name of the father of this 
Lee Harris? ” 

“ Jetferson Harris,” said Scott. 

“ Quite so. And is his home in Georgia? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ And the family originally came from York- 
shire? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ Did either of you ever hear what led the 
family in the first place to emigrate to the 
States? ” 


250 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


No, sir.’^ 

“ So I fancied.’’ 

What has that to do with Lee Harris to- 
day? ” demanded Larcum. 

‘‘ More than you understand.” 

“ Do you know where Lee is now? ” 

‘‘ Why is it so important that you should 
know his whereabouts? ” 

“ Do you know? ” persisted Larcum, rising 
as he spoke. 

‘‘ I know that you need have no anxiety,” 
said the man quietly. 

Where is he? ” 

‘‘ That I cannot — at least I shall not tell 
you.” 

‘‘ What does it all mean, anyway? Our 
trip is being spoiled ; we are left up in 
the air; we don’t know what to do, and 
all because Lee has been trapped or led 
into trouble of some kind,” said Scott 
angrily. 

‘‘ You say we have no need to be anxious 
about him. That is very easy to say, but how 
are we to know? ” asked Larcum. 

‘ ‘ What would you say if your friend did not 
want you to know where he is or what he is 
doing? ” 


BAFFLED 


251 


I should say it wasn’t so,” said Larcum 
sharply. 

‘‘ But it may be true, nevertheless.” 

‘‘ Then tell us why^” 

“ You understand, I fancy, why young Mr. 
Lee came to England? ” 

‘‘ Yes, sir. It was to see about some coal 
lands.” 

Did you ever think that he might be look- 
ing after them, and prefers not to have you 
know what he is doing? ” 

That isn’t like Lee,” said Scott. 

Besides, we had a telegram from him when 
we first came,” added Larcum. 

‘‘ I don’t know anything about that,” said 
Mr. Ross. 

What has Armstrong to do with it? ” de- 
manded Larcum. 

You must ask Mr. Armstrong himself.” 

But he is on the Atlantic.” 

Quite so.” 

^ ^ Then we can ’t ask him. ’ ’ 

All that I am at liberty to state is this : you 
need not have any anxiety for your friend’s 
safety. In due time he will himself, perhaps, 
explain what now you do not understand. Your 
American ways are more likely to get you, your- 


252 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


selves, into trouble than they are to keep him 
out/^ 

Do you say that Lee is looking after his 
coal lands? ” inquired Scott. 

That is what you acknowledged to be the 
purpose of his coming.’^ 

Can you tell us when we are likely to have 
word from him? ’’ 

Perhaps in a week or ten days.’’ 

‘‘ And we are just to wait till we hear from 
him? ” 

“ That is for you to decide. I am giving you 
my assurance that he has not met with any foul 
play, as you seem to fear.” 

And that is all you have to tell us? ” de- 
manded Larcum. 

That is all — at present.” 

‘‘ Then, there is nothing more for us to do 
here,” said Larcum, rising as he spoke. 

‘‘ No. You must learn in patience to possess 
your souls. I have often thought what a pity 
it is that American boys could not have the ad- 
vantages of our great public schools. A good 
‘ caning ’ or ‘ birching ’ would be a valuable les- 
son. My advice to you is that you ignore your 
friend for a time and go about your own busi- 
ness. If you want to travel, you might take the 


BAFFLED 


253 


conventional route that every American takes 
when he comes to England. You might visit 
the places you wish to see, and if you are care- 
ful to leave word where you can be found, then 
in good time you will hear from young Mr. 
Harris, and you will regret that you ever were 
such cads as to threaten a gentleman. We are 
not easily turned aside when once we have de- 
cided on any course we mean to follow.’’ 

Larcum was too angry to trust himself to re- 
ply, but Scott said quietly, ‘‘ Mr. Ross, do you 
think we will he more likely to find Lee when the 
week is gone, if we go north or south? ” 

I venture the opinion — No,” he hastily 
corrected himself, ‘ ^ I have no opinion to offer. ’ ’ 
Come, Scott,” said Larcum, as he started 
toward the door, I am going to cable home. 
This man agreed to give us the information we 
wanted if we would come here at eleven o’clock. 
He hasn’t done his part, and I am not going 
to wait any longer.” 

The man smiled, apparently indifferent to 
the implied threat, and the boys at once 
departed. 

No cab for me; no bus or taxicab either,” 
growled Larcum, when he and his friend were 
once more on the crowded street. ‘‘I’m going 


254 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


to walk. IVe got to think of some way out of 
all this.” 

Come in here and we’ll find out what this 
means,” said Scott soothingly^ as he pointed to 
a sign that ‘‘ American soda water was dis- 
pensed ” in the place. Entering the shop 
where the sign had attracted them, the boys ap- 
proached a counter and gave their orders, after 
they had been assured by the courteous clerk 
that the notice was entirely to be trusted. 

What’s this? ” demanded Larcum, when a 
moment later there was placed before them an 
array that was almost disconcerting. In a small 
saucer was some powdered chocolate. In an- 
other was a small ice, while a bottle, with a 
siphon attached, was also set before them. An 
empty cup was also placed on the counter. 

That, sir, is American soda water,” ex- 
plained the smiling clerk. You place the ice 
in this cup, then you stir in the chocolate, and 
then you draw from the large bottle all the 
charged-water you desire. All these ingredi- 
ents ” 

A smile crept over Larcum ’s face as he paid 
for their order and then, without touching the 
“ ingredients,” departed with his companion. 


CHAPTER XXni 


NORTH OR SOUTH? 

“ What’s new, Jack? ” inquired Larcum 
when he and Scott entered their hotel and dis- 
covered their friend seated disconsolately in the 
reading-room. 

‘‘ Not a thing,” said John. Where have 
you been? Trying to give us something to think 
about? We didn’t know whether we ought to 
start after you, or leave you and Lee to get your- 
selves out of your own troubles.” 

Never mind that, I’ll tell you all about it 
just as soon as we’ve had dinner.” 

In a brief time the three friends were seated 
in their accustomed places and their wyter ” 
was rapidly attending to their wants, which 
they were not backward in making known. 
Meanwhile Larcum went over the story of his 
trip to Rugby, and they discussed the astound- 
ing information Larcum had received from Mr. 
Ross, that Armstrong had sailed from Liver- 
pool for New York. 


255 


256 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


What does that mean? ’’ inquired John 
thoughtfully. 

You know as much about it as I do,’’ re- 
torted Larcum. 

What do you think? ” 

I don’t know what to think.” 

Does it mean more trouble for Lee? ” 

“ You can guess as well as I.” 

I confess I’m afraid of it. I don’t like it,” 
said J ohn. ‘ ‘ The whole thing beats anything I 
ever had any experience in,” he added some- 
what dolefully. 

Oh, well, we can’t help it,” said Larcum, 
striving to be cheerful. There isn’t any use 
in hanging our harps on the willows. We’ll 
have to give Lee credit for some sense; and if 
he hasn’t any, why, that’s just another reason 
why we shouldn’t worry.” 

“ I fancy that’s the explanation of your sud- 
den trip to Rugby,” said Scott demurely. 

“ You were not chasing this Mr. Ross be- 
cause you were anxious about Lee. You just 
wanted to see Rugby and have a look at the 
place where Tom Brown went to school, that’s 
all.” 

Here’s the major! ” John exclaimed sud- 
denly as he turned quickly to greet their friend 


NORTH OR SOUTH? 


257 


who was entering the hotel. Good evening, 
major! ’’ he exclaimed cordially as he stepped 
forward. 

The major responded with equal cordiality 
and then, at his suggestion, all four went up to 
the boys’ rooms where they could talk without 
being interrupted or overheard by others. 

In response to the boys’ eager questions the 
major explained that with all his efforts he had 
been unable to locate their missing friend. In 
fact, not a word concerning him had he been 
able to secure. ‘‘It is extraordinary! It is 
the most remarkable disappearance I ever 
knew, ’ ’ he declared when his story was ended. 

He listened attentively to the reports which 
the boys gave him of their experiences since 
they had last seen him, but the major, aside 
from many ejaculations of “ How very extraor- 
dinary! ” and “ How extremely remarkable! ” 
had little to say. 

“ And you say that Armstrong sailed from 
Liverpool? ” he at last inquired. 

“ Yes, sir,” replied Larcum. “ At least his 
name is in the sailing list, ’ ’ he added as he held 
forth the paper. 

Taking the printed slip the major began at the 
beginning and read aloud the names of the 


258 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


passengers. Aside from Boyd Armstrong 
there was no name that was familiar until the 
major came to the middle of the list. Mr. 
and Mrs. John M. Morris, Frank H. Nourse, 
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Lanning and maid, 
Harris Lee 

What’s that? ” exclaimed Larcum as he 
and his friends sat quickly erect when they 
heard the name called. 

Harris Lee,” repeated the major. It is 
quite like that of Lee Harris, is it not ? ” he said 
soberly. 

It’s not only quite like, but it is it! ” said 
Larcum. They have the names transposed, 
that’s all. Lee has sailed for New York as 
sure as you’re born! ” 

But this is Harris Lee, not Lee Harris,” 
suggested the major. 

It’s Lee, all right,” asserted Larcum posi- 
tively. 

It is quite remarkable. It is certainly a 
strange coincidence,” acknowledged the major 
thoughtfully. 

^ ^ ‘ Coincidence ’ ! ” retorted Larcum some- 
what scornfully. ‘‘ The world is full of coin- 
cidences; for example, strange as it may seem, 
the wedding day of my father is exactly the 



Harris Lee,” repeated the Major. — Page 258. 










NORTH OR SOUTH? 


259 


same as that of my mother/^ In spite of his 
excitement, Larcum’s drawling words were 
spoken in apparent seriousness. 

<< Why! said the major as he gazed stolidly 
at the young traveler, ^ ‘ that is not remarkable. 
How could your father and mother have any 
other than the same wedding day? Your 
father could not have one and your mother an- 
other. They would necessarily be compelled to 
have the same one.’’ 

That’s so,” acknowledged Larcum, repress- 
ing the smile that crept over his face at the sol- 
emn declaration of the major. That’s so; but 
I was thinking of what you called a coincidence. 
The fact that my father and mother have the 
same wedding anniversary is just about as much 
of a coincidence as that Harris Lee, instead of 
Lee Harris, should be sailing for home on the 
same steamer on which Boyd Armstrong goes. 
It’s just no coincidence at all.” 

It is most extraordinary,” murmured the 
major. 

‘‘ I think Larc is right about it,” said Scott. 

Don’t you. Jack? ” 

I’m afraid he is,” responded John. 

' Afraid ’? Don’t you know? Can’t you 
see? ” retorted Larcum. 


260 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


It certainly seems reasonable.’’ 

Oh, well, that’s as far as we have any right 
to expect you Boston people to go. About the 
only thing you’re ever sure of is that you can’t 
be sure of anything. If that’s ‘ culture,’ all I 
say is give me common sense.” 

We don’t jump to our conclusions,” re- 
plied John calmly. You remember what 
Josh Billings said, don’t you? ” 

‘‘ What did he say? ” 

‘ It is better not to know so many things 
than it is to know so many things that ain’t 
so.’ ” 

‘‘Good for J. Billings! But, Jack, don’t 
you agree with us that Harris Lee and Lee Har- 
ris are one and the same person? ” 

“ I am inclined to think they are.” 

“ Good! Good for you! Now what shall 
we do? ” 

“ I fancy you cannot do anything,” suggested 
the major. “ You know if your friend really 
has sailed you cannot overtake him. ’ ’ 

“ Not unless we get an aeroplane,” assented 
Larcum. “ Have you one, major? ” 

“ No, nor do I know any one who has. Be- 
sides, if you did secure one it would be impos- 
sible to locate or even overtake the steamer.” 


NORTH OR SOUTH? 


261 


‘‘ That’s a good suggestion, ” laughed Lar- 
cum. We won’t try to catch Lee. If he 
leaves for home without sending word to any 
of us perhaps we’d better let him go and say 
no more about it. ’ ’ 

Can’t we find out? Even if it is Lee who 
has gone, and I haven’t any question about it 
in my own mind,” said Scott, it means that 
he is alive.” 

Was alive,” corrected Larcum. 

‘ ‘ If he was, he is, ’ ’ maintained Scott. ‘ ‘ He 
can take good care of himself as far as Arm- 
strong is concerned.” 

‘‘ That may be, but he hasn’t shown any su- 
perabundance of superfluity in that special line 
as yet. What can we do now, major? ” 

I have been considering that,” the major 
replied. It will be a week or more, if your 
friend has actually sailed, before you can re- 
ceive word from him by cable.” 

Unless he sends a marconigram,” suggested 
John. 

He won’t do that,” said Larcum positively. 

If a fellow won’t take the trouble to send a 
telegram when he’s on land, what can you ex- 
pect of him when he is a thousand miles out at 
sea? ” 


262 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Nothing/’ said Scott; that is, if he is act- 
ing on his own responsibility. But this entire 
affair is so mixed up and strange that there 
isn’t one of us who really knows anything 
definite about it. ’ ’ 

My advice,” said the major at last, is this 
— first go to the office of the steamship people 
and ascertain if possible who this Harris Lee 
is. Then cable to New York. You can explain 
matters and request a reply.” 

I’ll cable my father,” suggested Scott at 
once. 

Very good,” assented the major. ‘‘ Then 
if you receive no word of information from the 
steamship people concerning the identity of this 
Mr. Harris Lee, I advise you to leave London 
for a few days.” 

<< Why? ” inquired Larcum abruptly. 

‘ ‘ You can do nothing here. Leave word for 
any messages that may come to be forwarded, 
and then you can come back in a brief time if 
your presence in London should be demanded. 
You know you can’t get any farther from 
the coast than seventy miles, no matter 
where you go in England. A few hours 
from London and you are at the limit of the 
land.” 


NORTE OR SOUTH? 


263 


Where shall we go, major? What do you 
advise? ’’ inquired John. 

It depends altogether upon what you most 
desire to see. The north of England is filled 
with factory towns, the south is quiet, rural, 
and beautiful. The people of the south are 
rather inclined to look down upon those of the 
north as being somewhat provincial — trades- 
people, you know; somewhat materialistic in 
their ideals, you understand.’’ 

‘‘ And the people of the south? ” asked John. 

‘‘ Oh, they are confident that the best the 
world has yet seen is there. They are in no 
haste, they do not readily change in their opin- 
ions or habits, and believe themselves to be the 
most genuinely aristocratic of all the English 
people — that is the gentry do.” 

‘‘ They’re mostly of Saxon descent in the 
south,” said John. 

‘‘So I fancy,” acknowledged the major. 
“ The influence of the Danes is more pro- 
nounced in the northern counties. The people 
there, too, are more like your people in the 
States — they are enterprising, hard workers, 
and quite readily abandon any plan that 
does not seem practical after it has been 
tested.” 


264 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘ ‘ The north for me ! ^ ’ said Larcum promptly. 

But think of the south, Larc,’’ suggested 
John. There’s Canterbury, where Chaucer’s 
pilgrims were, and Dover and the chalk cliffs 
that gave the name of Albion to old England. 
Then, too, there’s the battlefield of Hastings, 
and Southampton, where Eichard, the lion- 
hearted, sailed for the crusades; there’s 
Plymouth where the Pilgrim Fathers started for 
Plymouth Eock. There’s the Isle of Wight, and 
the yacht races at Cowes. There’s New For- 
est behind Southampton, where William Eufus 
was killed ” 

‘‘ Well, he’s dead now, isn’t he? ” inter- 
rupted Larcum. 

Yes, he’s dead.” 

Well, all I can say is that one live English- 
man appeals to me more than ten dead ones. 
I’m for the north of England myself.” 

All right. We’ll go there first then,” as- 
sented John, provided that if all comes out 
right with Lee you’ll go south afterward.” 

‘‘ That’s taken for granted.” 

One thing more,” persisted John, and 
that is that you agree to stop at Cambridge. I 
want to see the university there. ’ ’ 

So do I,” Larcum readily assented. 


NORTH OR SOUTH? 


265 


After a visit to the office of the steamship 
company had failed to explain the identity of 
Harris Lee, the three boys arranged to depart 
from London the following morning. Their 
friend, the major, promised to continue his own 
investigations, and also to visit the Metropole 
daily to look out for telegrams, which he agreed 
to forward at once. 

Eelieved by the conviction that Lee really had 
sailed for America, some of the uneasiness of 
the young travelers was gone when, on the fol- 
lowing morning, they boarded a train for Cam- 
bridge. The ride was less than three hours, 
and through a less interesting region than they 
had seen since their arrival in England. How- 
ever, when they left the train at their destina- 
tion, they were all interested in the town of 
which they had heard so much. Scott explained 
that the city was not so attractive or beautiful 
as its rival, Oxford, but he also maintained 
that the colleges were more picturesque 
than those which made up the university at 
Oxford. 

A cab was secured, and the boys, as they rode 
into the city, were interestedly peering at the 
streets and quaint houses of brick. When at 
last their cab halted in front of the Bull Hotel 


266 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


and the boys arose to leave the carriage, Scott 
suddenly paused and, pointing excitedly to an 
approaching automobile, said, Look at that 
motor, fellows ! Who is that in it? Now aren’t 
you glad you came to Cambridge? ” 


CHAPTER XXIV 


CLASSIC SHADES 

They^ee the Goodmans! exclaimed John, 
as the three boys at once started toward the 
automobile and its occupants. 

The surprise of Mrs. Goodman and her daugh- 
ters was as great as that of the boys at the un- 
expected meeting, and there were many mutual 
explanations to be given and received before the 
entire party turned and entered the quaint ho- 
tel. Larcum registered for all, and fortunately 
secured rooms for every one. 

When the travelers soon afterward assembled 
at luncheon, Larcum ^s first demand was, “Now 
I want you to tell me what you did with Lee. ’ ’ 

“ Why, we haven’t seen him since we landed. 
Isn’t he here with you"? ” replied Mrs. Goodman 
in surprise. 

“We haven’t seen him either, since we 
landed,” replied Larcum. He was compelled 
to relate the story of their friend’s strange dis- 
appearance, and all the attempts that had been 
made to discover his whereabouts. 

267 


268 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ You feel satisfied, do you, that this Harris 
Lee and Lee Harris are really the same per- 
son! ’’ inquired Mary at last. 

‘‘ Yes,’’ said Scott. At least it’s the only 
explanation we have been able to find. We 
think this man, Armstrong, — he sat at the same 
table with us on the steamer, you may remem- 
ber — has been on Lee’s track all the time, and 
that now he has either persuaded Lee to go back 
with him to New York or that Lee has felt 
obliged to follow him without any particular 
persuading. Lee came over on business, any- 
way, and the whole trouble has to do with that, 
I am sure.” 

^ ^ It is certainly strange, ’ ’ said Sarah. 

That’s what we think,” said John. But 
we’ve telegraphed and cabled and done every- 
thing in our power, and now we can’t do any- 
thing more except wait. While we’re doing 
that we decided to come up into the north of 
England for a little while.” 

‘‘What a pity! We are going into the 
south,” said Sarah. “ We hurried across from 
Ireland into Scotland, and have just come down 
from Edinburgh. We decided to motor from 
Carlisle, and we stopped here to see the uni- 
versity. ’ ’ 


CLASSIC SHADES 


269 


So did we,” explained John. 

I mean to go out to Girton College,” con- 
tinued Sarah. I want to compare one of the 
colleges for English girls with Smith or Bryn 
Mawr. ’ ^ 

‘‘ I^m told that a hundred Girton girls 
marched in cap and gown with a procession of 
sutfragettes in London the other day,” re- 
marked Larcum dryly. 

Why shouldn’t they? ” retorted Sarah. 
‘‘I’m sure the women have a hard enough time 
anyway! They are taxed without having any 
voice in the making of the laws, they have to be 
dependent on men ” 

“ No more than men are upon women,” put 
in Larcum. ‘ ‘ The men have to earn the money 
and the women have to spend it. ’ ’ 

“ It isn’t fair,” said Sarah positively. “ I 
glory in these Girton girls. I am proud of their 
courage in going to jail for their principles.” 

“ I wouldn’t want my mother or sister parad- 
ing around the streets, throwing stones at the 
members of Parliament, carried off to jail and 
shut up with a lot of other disorderly women,” 
said Scott warmly. 

“ Still you don’t think any less of the Apostle 
Paul, because he was shut in the innermost 


270 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


prison at Philippi, do you? Is John Bunyan 
any less of a man because he was a prisoner in 
the old jail at Bedford? I confess I honor them 
all the more for having principles and sticking 
to them.’^ 

But you’ll have to acknowledge that the 
Apostle Paul didn’t fire any stones; it was the 
other fellows who did that,” said Larcum as the 
party left the dining-room. I don’t recollect 
either ever having heard of John Bunyan pull- 
ing the hair of his jailers.” 

They probably deserved it, whether he did 
or not, ’ ’ retorted Sarah. 

That reminds me,” said Larcum. ‘‘ Did 
you ever hear me sing? ” 

I never did,” laughed Sarah. ‘‘ Won’t you 
sing for us now? ” 

Oh, don’t, Sarah,” pleaded Scott. You 
want to thank your lucky stars that you have 
escaped that, like the London plague and such 
things. ’ ’ 

‘‘I’m going to sing,” said Larcum firmly, 
as he seated himself before the piano in 
the reception room. “ This is a pathetic 
song ” 

“ Oh, you needn’t stop to explain, Larc! ” 
broke in Scott. “ We’ll understand all right 


CLASSIC SHADES 


271 


enough without your telling us when to get out 
our handkerchiefs. One of the fellows that 
graduated from college this year told me that 
every man in the senior class had a printed copy 
of the Latin salutatory in his hands when the 
salutatorian was delivering his oration. There 
were places starred in the printed slip that 
showed the fellows where to applaud. ^ Hie 
plaudite/ * Hie vehementissime plaudit e/ were 
the words used. ’ ’ 

“ This song is one that I read a little while 
ago in a New York paper/ ^ continued Larcum, 
ignoring Scott’s interruption. ‘‘It is a very 
pathetic song, as I was telling you, and I was 
reminded of it by Sarah’s remarks that she 
gloried in the hair-pulling, stone-thr owing, jail- 
going suffragettes. ” 

“ Hurry up, Larc; we want it — over with,” 
said Scott. 

Still ignoring his friend, Larcum again swung 
around to the piano, lightly played a few chords, 
and then began to sing; 


“‘Oh, where is my wandering ma to-night? 
Oh, where can my mother be? 

She hied her forth to the suffrage fight 
And hasn’t come home to tea. 


272 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


The range is cold on the kitchen trail, 
The cupboard is bleak and bare; 

For mother has gone to the county jail 
For pulling the speaker’s hair. 

^^‘Oh, where is my wandering ma to-night? 
My mother, oh, where is she? 

She dwells in the “ box,” 

While father’s soxs 

Are holey as they can be ! ’ ” 


Larcum^s voice was deep and smooth, and 
when, apparently, overcome by his emotion, he 
turned to his audience, he scowled when they all 
broke into peals of laughter. 

‘‘ That^s about the estimate you have of 
women,’’ said Sarah scornfully, and yet com- 
pelled, in a measure, to join in the laughter. 
“You connect a woman with a range, and with 
tea, and think that is about all she is good for. 
I don’t want, and I don’t propose, to be knee 
deep in flour all my life, let me tell you. ’ ’ 

“ And yet we boys are longing to be in the 
flower of our manhood,” murmured Scott, 

“ You mean the upper crust, I guess,” said 
Sarah tartly. 

“ We’re too well bread for that.” 

“ That may be, but I’m afraid you’ll not pan 
out. ’ ’ 


CLASSIC SHADES 


273 


‘‘ Then we can use the dough, anyway,’’ re- 
torted Larcum. 

“ You’ll knead it.” 

‘‘ It’s a mighty small crumb of comfort you’ll 
leave us.” 

You’ll have to learn the wheys of the 
trade.” 

‘‘ Come. We must start if we are to see the 
colleges, ’ ’ said Mrs. Goodman laughingly as she 
arose. 

The merry party was soon visiting the im- 
posing old stone buildings of Trinity, the largest 
college in England. The stately quadrangle 
and court of St. John’s were also impressive, 
and several times the party stopped while one 
of them photographed the group of travelers^ 
Walls that were venerable, trees beneath whose 
shade many famous men had lounged in bygone 
years, chapels in which the Cambridge students 
assembled, famous libraries and collections were 
all seen, and greatly to the delight of all save 
Larcum, who professed to be somewhat bored 
by the visit. 

‘‘ It’s all old, I tell you,” he said in protest. 

Of course it is, Larc,” said John. Every 
collection has to be. ’ ’ 

“ Does it? Well, what’s the good of it? ” 


274 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ To teach the young idea how to shoot/’ 
laughed John. 

‘ ‘ Then why not use crossbows and bows and 
arrows if a man is to learn only from what 
has been? When a man is old and behind his 
times we call him a mossback, don’t we? Well, 
for my part, I don’t see any difference when 
it comes to colleges. They all have their necks 
turned so that they can see only what is behind 
them. Suppose Latin was spoken hundreds of 
years ago? Who speaks it now? What’s the 
use in going back ” 

Larc, when a fellow is studying to be an 
engineer you’d want him to see some of the 
best bridges and locomotives that had ever been 
made, wouldn’t you? ” 

‘‘ Of course.” 

Well, when a man is studying language he 
ought to study the best that ever was spoken, 
oughtn’t he? ” 

Yes, I suppose so,” admitted Larcum, ‘‘ if 
there’s any use in it.” 

You make me weary with your everlasting 
‘ use,’ ‘ use,’ ‘ use.’ You think algebra is all 
right because it’s useful. Well, whoever uses 
it after he leaves school, I’d like to know? Who 
‘ uses ’ his geometry? Who ‘ uses ’ his ‘ trig ’? 


CLASSIC SHADES 


275 


How many times does lie find any use for his 
French or his German? You talk as if learning 
how to get a living was all there was to educa- 
tion.” 

‘‘ If it isn’t, then what is it, my eloquent Bos- 
tonian? ” 

“ Learning how to live. WeVe plenty of 
people in America who know how to make a 
good living, but they don’t know how to live. 
I heard of a man the other day who was fifty- 
five years old ” 

I have heard of several,” laughed Larcum. 

This man had made a fortune, but what 
do you suppose he did? He entered the 
freshman class of one of our largest uni- 
versities.” 

“ An insane asylum would have been better. 
What did he do that for? ” 

He said he’d made a fortune, hut he didn’t 
know how to use it. He did not know how to 
live.” 

So he went to college to find out? ” laughed 
Larcum derisively. ‘‘ How much better did he 
know how to live when he found out that ^ thence 
Clearchus marched a day’s journey, fourteen 
parasangs ’? How much more did he really 
know when he found out that all Gaul is divided 


276 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


into three parts, or that X X Y = Z ? If he ’d 
come out to Chicago and got a place in the of- 
fices of the T. G. and P., he ^d have learned some 
things worth knowing. Oh, I^m not saying 
these things don’t have a place. They do, same 
as gravestones and houses that Washington 
slept in, and all those things. But I want some- 
thing besides what is behind me. I want to 
look ahead once in a while. I want to see what 
Cambridge can do to-day, as well as what it did 
when men didn’t know what a fork was for, 
and threw under the tables the bones they’d 
gnawed at the feast. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Well, here are some Cantabrians now,” 
laughed John as he pointed to some students. 

In spite of the time of the year being that of 
the long vacation, scores of students in caps 
and gowns were to be seen. They had returned 
to attend the summer session, which, in alternate 
years, is held in Oxford and Cambridge. Their 
appearance was picturesque, and even Larcum 
was interested, because, as he declared, “ these 
fellows belong to the present.” 

Did you ever see anything more beauti- 
ful! ” demanded Mary as our party passed 
across one of the numerous bridges over the 
little Cam that flowed directly past the colleges. 


CLASSIC SHADES 


277 


Beyond them the hoys could see the acres of 
green where tennis and football were played. 
Grreat trees, so old that their very appearance 
added to the venerable aspect of the buildings, 
bordered the well-kept walks. In little punts, 
poled by stalwart students along the river, or 
resting beneath the shade of the shrubs or trees 
on the banks, many young people were to be 
seen. 

They don^t act as if they were having much 
fun,’^ grumbled Larcum as he gazed at the sight 
with an interest he was at no pains to conceal. 

They are as quiet and sober as if they were 
at church. ’ ’ 

You don’t think any one can have a good 
time unless he is making a noise, Larc,” laughed 
John. You mustn’t forget that an English- 
man takes even his pleasures sadly. This isn’t 
the wild and woolly West.” 

‘‘I’m not likely to forget it,” retorted Lar- 
cum. “ If you said he was glum even when he 
smiled, you wouldn’t have been far wrong. 
What do they call these fellows Cantabrians 
for? ” 

“ Because that’s their name,” said John. 
“ You know the Spanish prince, Cantaber, is 
said to have founded this university in 300 B. C. 


278 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


That’s why the Cambridge men are called 
Cantabrians or ‘ Cantabs.’ ” 

‘‘ Come on, Sarah! I’ll get a punt, and we’ll 
see if these Englishmen are really asleep or 
awake, ’ ’ said Larcum. 

As Mrs. Goodman smilingly gave her consent 
to the project the young giant speedily secured 
one of the long narrow boats, not unlike a canoe 
in its shape, and soon he and his companion 
were moving swiftly over the waters of the 
peaceful little Cam. Larcum ’s zeal was 
greater than his experience in handling the lit- 
tle craft. A young Englishman was moving 
swiftly and easily in a punt beside Larcum ’s, 
and the latter at once decided to test the other’s 
prowess. The unspoken challenge instantly 
was accepted, and soon the spectators on the 
bank were aware of the rivalry and excitedly 
watching the contestants. 


CHAPTEB XXV 


A BUMP BACE 

The American boys were the only ones in the 
assembly that made any noise, as they ran along 
the banks, and it was manifest that the interest 
of the beholders was somewhat divided between 
the racers and these strange Americans who 
gave vent to their excitement in noisy calls and 
shouts. 

“ Go it, Larc! shouted Scott. ‘‘ Keep it up! 
DonT let the Englishman beat you! 

Larcum certainly was doing his utmost to re- 
spond to the appeals of his friends. His im- 
mense strength was evident as he drove the 
narrow little punt swiftly forward. Sarah also 
plainly was excited and, though the little craft 
careened under the powerful strokes of her 
hero, she was silent as she crouched on the bot- 
tom in the end of the boat, grasping the gun- 
whale with either hand. She did not speak un- 
til the rival boat began to creep nearer, for the 
stream was so narrow it was impossible for the 
279 


280 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


punts to be poled side by side. “ Pole, Lar- 
cum! Pole! she called in a low tense voice. 
‘‘ He’s gaining on us ! He’s almost up to us ! ” 
she added as the rival poler steadily lessened 
the gap between the boats. 

Apparently Larcum was doing his utmost. 
The long pole was wielded with a swiftness al- 
most incredible in one of the size of the young 
giant. And yet labor as the young American 
did his opponent still steadily gained upon him. 
It was plain that his skill was the greater, and 
with every push he sent his little craft closer 
to the other. What he lacked in strength was 
amply made up in his skill, and in a brief time 
by one quick strong shove he sent the bow of 
his punt directly against the stern of his ri- 
val’s. 

There was a sudden bump which destroyed 
the balance of the young American, and for an 
instant Larcum struggled hard to regain his up- 
right position. All his attempts were vain, how- 
ever, and in a moment the punt was overturned 
and both its recent occupants were struggling in 
the waters of the little Cam. 

A cry escaped the spectators on the banks at 
the mishap. Mrs. Goodman darted to the edge 
of the path and gazed anxiously at the place 


A BUMP RACE 


281 


where her daughter had disappeared. Both 
Scott and John flung aside their coats and 
forced their way among the people to a place 
where they might plunge into the stream. 

Before they were able to act, however, the 
young Englishman held his long pole to Sarah 
who now had risen, and as the girl instantly 
grasped and clung to it he carefully and slowly 
swung the pole around until Sarah ^s hands were 
seized by the waiting boys, and she was at once 
drawn safely upon the bank. 

The attention of all was now transferred to 
Larcum. The young giant quickly swam ashore 
with three or four strokes, for the Cam is so nar- 
row that from a punt in the middle of the stream 
one might easily touch with his pole the bank 
on either side. When the dripping young 
traveler gained his place of refuge and was 
satisfied that his recent companion was in no 
worse plight than a drenching, he turned good- 
naturedly to his friends and said: What do 
you think of that? How is that for a sport? 

I beg your pardon,” said the young Eng- 
lishman who had caused the plight, as he now 
pressed forward to the place where Larcum and 
the bedraggled Sarah were standing. I am 
sorry. ’ ’ 


282 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


That’s all right,” responded Larcnm good- 
naturedly. ‘ ‘ It was my fault. I ought to have 
kept out of your way. ’ ’ 

^ ‘ But, you know, I thought you were in for a 
bump race.” 

What’s that? ” 

<< Why — it’s a — a bump race. That is what 
we term it at Cambridge. The Cam is not suf- 
ficiently wide for us to have a race in course, so 
we are compelled to let one boat have the course 
and the others run it down and ^ bump ’ it if 
they are able.” 

‘‘You seemed to be ‘ able,’ all right enough,” 
laughed Larcum. 

“ If I had understood that you were not in 
for the race I certainly should not have bumped 
you. I sincerely beg your pardon. ’ ’ 

“ That’s all right. The next time I’ll know 
better what to do. Don’t say any more about it. 
I must get a carriage to take my friend back to 
the hotel,” Larcum added as he glanced laugh- 
ingly at Sarah. 

“ What is your hotel? ” inquired the young 
Englishman. 

“ The Bull.” 

“You stay right here and I will order one.” 

Before Larcum could protest one of the win- 


A BUMP RACE 


283 


ner’s friends speedily departed, and in a brief 
time a four-wbeeler was seen approaching. The 
young Englishman was still proffering his aid, 
but his services were not required by either of 
the victims. 

‘‘ Shall I call you up later? ’’ he inquired 
when Larcum and Sarah, together with Mrs. 
Goodman, were seated in the conveyance. 

‘‘We shall be glad to see you, but it will not 
be necessary,’^ replied Larcum. “ I have had 
a disintellectualization. I have taken a ‘ course ’ 
at Cambridge, and the disproportionableness 
between that which is velocipedestrianistical 
and a bump race has been one of the subjects 
taught me. The incomprehensibility of the 
transterrestrial pedestrian has given place to a 
new and profound intercommunicativeness. I 
am no longer a proantitransubstantiationalist. 
You grasp my meaning, I take it! ’’ 

“ Quite so,’’ replied the young Englishman 
as he stared blankly at Larcum. 

‘ ‘ Thank you ! ’k you ! ’ ’ repeated Larcum 
solemnly; then turning to the driver he said 
sharply, “ Now see that you get us to the Bull 
Hotel in less than the regular time. And 
don’t you try any bump races on the way, 
either! ” 


284 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Quite so, sir,’^ responded the driver sol- 
emnly touching his hat with his whip. 

‘‘ Were you frightened, Mrs. Goodman? in- 
quired Larcum when the carriage started. 

‘‘ I was startled, I confess, but not really 
alarmed. Sarah is a good swimmer 

‘ ‘ A suffragette and a swimmer, too ! ’ ’ broke 
in Larcum. 

‘ ‘ I stand only on my rights, ’ ’ laughed Sarah. 

‘‘ There’s one place where you don’t like to 
stand even on your rights.” 

“ Where is that? ” 

In a crowded streetcar, or on the river 
Cam.” 

Sarah laughed as she said, Well, I didn’t 
scream anyway. ’ ’ 

‘‘ That’s right. I was proud of you.” 

‘‘ I wonder if any one got a photograph of 
us.” 

I don’t think so. Every one was startled 
by the accident. If I had only known what 
to expect in a bump race I’d have been ready.” 

‘ ‘ It did seem to take you a bit unaware ! ’ ’ 
laughed Sarah. ‘‘ My! I wish I had a picture 
of you waving your pole and trying to get your 
balance. I’d be willing to be tipped over again 
if I might have that.” 


A BUMF FACE 


285 


‘‘Never! Nevermore!’’ declared Larcum. 
“ Here we are at our hotel,” he added as the 
carriage halted. 

Ignoring the glances of curiosity cast upon 
the dripping arrivals, Sarah with her mother 
at once went to their room, while Larcum also 
sought his own. But once there, his troubles 
began. To his disgust he found that he had 
failed to bring the necessary change of cloth- 
ing. He had a fresh coat, but the trousers were 
lacking. Hastily searching through the pos- 
sessions of his friends he helped himself freely 
to them, but even when he was clad in the new 
garments he gazed ruefully at the reflection of 
himself in the mirror. There was a gap of sev- 
eral inches between his shoes and the bottom of 
his trousers, the cap which he placed on his 
head belonged to John, and was several sizes 
too small. Altogether the appearance of the 
young giant was grotesque. 

For a moment he stood before the mirror star- 
ing blankly at the sight of himself, then smiling 
grimly, he turned and departed from the room. 

When he went downstairs he found Scott and 
John awaiting his coming, and his appearance 
was greeted by a shout of approval. 

“ I think kilts would be more becoming,” said 


286 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Scott, critically surveying the garments in 
which the young giant was clad. 

That’s the trouble with traveling with chil- 
dren,” growled Larcum. If one is fit only 
for a half-fare ticket he can’t expect a full- 
grown man is going to look pretty if he dresses 
in the child’s clothes.” 

If those trousers had only red and white 
stripes, and you had a blue coat with a few 
stars on it, and had a white high hat on your 
head you’d pass for Uncle Sam,” suggested 
John solemnly. 

Better pass for Uncle Sam than for a 
pigmy! ” 

Never mind, Larc; we’ll stand by you! ” 
roared Scott. 

Larcum, however, took all the bantering in 
good spirits, and joined heartily in the laugh 
with which Mrs. Goodman and the girls greeted 
him when they joined the party. Indeed, the 
evening passed pleasantly, and Mrs. Goodman 
declared that the manner in which Sarah and 
Larcum had taken the mishap on the Cam was 
an evidence that both were excellent travelers. 

Oh, Larc does all right,” said John, until 
a young Englishman gets after him in a punt, 
then he has to own himself beaten.” 


A BUMP RACE 


287 


‘‘ The next time began Larcnm quickly. 

That’s all right, Larc. You know there 
won’t be any ‘ next ’ time,” put in Scott. 

You’re safe, and won’t have to try it 
again. ’ ’ 

Here comes the fellow that did it,” ex- 
claimed John as the young Englishman at that 
moment entered the room. 

In response to his inquiries he was informed 
that no bad results had been experienced by 
either of those who had taken an involun- 
tary plunge in the Cam. Accepting the 
cordial invitation of Mrs. Goodman, he 
seated himself and remained an hour with the 
company. 

<< We’re all going out to Girton College to- 
morrow morning,” explained Sarah. ‘‘We 
have seen Cambridge University, and now we 
want to see Girton where the English girls go 
to college.” 

“ Ah, yes. You will find Girton quite a 
pretty little spot.” 

“ How many girls go there to college? ” 

‘ ‘ About one hundred and fifty, I fancy. ’ ’ 

“It is small, isn’t it? Why, some of our 
colleges for girls in America have more than a 
thousand students.” 


288 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Indeed! ’’ 

Yes, and they have fine times. Do yon go 
out to Girton often? 

Not very. I have a sister there, but we 
are not permitted to come more than once a 
term. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Can’t yon visit yonr own sister? ” ex- 
claimed Sarah. 

Once each term.” 

Why is that? ” 

The girls are too bnsy.” 

Don’t they have clnbs, and dances, and 
dramatics, and athletics ” 

They play a fair game of tennis and 
hockey. ’ ’ 

That’s good,” langhed Sarah. Have yon 
ever been to any of their dramatics ? ’ ’ 

‘‘We are not invited to attend.” 

“ What! Not attend yonr own sister’s per- 
formances ! Why is that ? ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ It might distract the attention of the yonng 
ladies to have ontsiders present.” 

‘ ‘ Indeed ! ’ ’ snitf ed Sarah. ‘ ‘ What do the 
girls do, if I may inqnire ? ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ They stndy, attend lectnres, and prepare for 
the honors examinations in the nniversity, ’ ’ said 
the yonng Englishman soberly. 


A BUMP RACE 


289 


‘‘ And do they take any honors? ” 

‘‘ Indeed they do. In twenty-five years they 
have taken nearly two hundred in mathematics 
and more than that in classics, to say nothing 
of modern languages, science, and other 
branches. ’ ’ 

They must be regular bluestockings.” 

‘ ‘ I beg your pardon. ’ ’ 

‘ ^ They must study all the time. ’ ’ 

‘‘Not all the time. They have hockey and 
tennis ” 

“ So you said; but they must work all the 
time to take so many honors.” 

“ Why, that is what they go to Girton 
for.” 

“ I can understand,” laughed Sarah lightly. 
“ Of course, if they attend the lectures of the 
Cambridge professors and take so many honors 
in the Cambridge examinations, then Cambridge 
University gives them their degrees.” 

“ Not at all.” 

“ Does Girton? ” 

“ Why, no. Girton has no charter.” 

“ It could get one, couldnT it? ” 

“ I never heard that suggested before.” 

“ But couldnT it? ” persisted Sarah. 

‘ ‘ It might, but it would have slight value. ’ ^ 


290 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Then why doesn’t Cambridge give them 
their degrees if the girls do so well.” 

^ ‘ Ton my word, I never thought of that. But 
Cambridge could not do that, you know. Cam- 
bridge is for men. ’ ’ 


CHAPTER XXVI 


SUFFEAGETTES 

Did you ever hear anything like that in all 
your life ! ’ ’ exclaimed Sarah when at last their 
visitor departed. The Englishman is the 
smuggest creature ever produced on this 
planet! ” 

You ^11 have to admit he has something to 
make him proud/’ suggested John. 

What! ” retorted Sarah sharply. 

For one thing England is the most beau- 
tiful country in the world. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Well, the people have had time to improve 
it. Wait till we have had one or two thousand 
years in America and you’ll see something.” 

‘‘I’m not positive I shall see it,” laughed 
John; “ but even if what you say is true it 
doesn’t change present conditions, does it? 
And that is what we are talking about.” 

“ Well, what else have they to be proud of? ” 
“ Their history.” 

“ Their history is a history of grabbing from 
291 


292 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


others! How did they get control of Canada? 
How did they win the country of the Boers? 
Tell me how they got India! Who forced the 
opium trade on China? 

All you say may be true,” acknowledged 
John, but it doesnT change matters a particle. 
If England did these things, and I^m not deny- 
ing she did, she wasnT doing anything more 
than every one of the other great nations was 
doing or trying to do even if it could not be 
done. The difference is seen when you notice 
the effect. It was what England did besides 
what the other nations did. Her laws, her civ- 
ilization were better, and there isnT a country 
in the world that hasn’t been made better by 
what English colonists did in it. Of course I 
mean the countries she colonized herself. The 
Englishmen have been the best, as well as the 
greatest colonizers ever known. To-day about 
one-fifth of all the land on the globe is under the 
British flag.” 

Well, I’m glad and thankful the United 
States never did such things.” 

What things? ” 

“ Why, what England has done in Africa and 
India.” 

Hold on a minute,” said John warmly. I 


SUFFRAGETTES 


293 


don^t think we can throw many stones. WeVe 
got some beams to plnck out of our own eyes 
before we pull out the motes from other people ^s 
eyes! Look at Porto Pico. We took over the 
island without the consent of the people there, 
and then we go to work to tax them without giv- 
ing them any voice in the matter. Why that 
was the very thing that brought on our Eevolu- 
tion — ‘ No taxation without representation.’ 
Porto Eico is a part of us, and yet we won’t let 
the people there bring their cotfee, their to- 
bacco, or even their oranges to New York, with- 
out paying a tax or duty about which they 
haven’t a word to say. Then, too, look at the 
Philippines. We do the same thing there. We 
talk of our goodness to them, our beneficent 
rules and laws, and then we prevent them from 
doing business with other people, and tax them 
for the business they do with us. Oh, it makes 
my blood boil sometimes when I stop to think 
of it! I’m not upholding England in all she 
has done, but I don’t think we are in any posi- 
tion to point a finger at her for any part of 
it.” 

You’re not an American! ” 

Thank you,” laughed John. I don’t 
know that I may be an original American, but 


294 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 

I’m the seventh generation to be born in Bos- 
ton.” 

That doesn’t mean anything! ” put in Lar- 
cum. ‘‘ It doesn’t matter much where a man is 
born; that isn’t what makes him an American.” 

‘‘ What does then? ” inquired John blandly. 

It is standing up for America and believ- 
ing in the things that America stands for.” 

What are those? ” 

“ You aren’t going to mix me up with your 
cross-questions. You know what they are just 
as well as I do.” 

For example, you think America does not 
stand for going into another country and mak- 
ing the people that live there give up their 
lands? ” 

‘‘ We don’t stand for that, and never did.” 

‘‘ How about the Indians? Did we drive 
them away from their lands ? Did we take their 
homes away from them? Answer me that, will 
you? ” demanded John as he glanced triumph- 
antly about the room. 

“No, sir; we didn’t,” replied Larcum quietly- 

“ We didn’t? We didn’t? I guess you never 
read much history.” 

“Not very much,” admitted Larcum, “ and 
what little I’ve read was mostly written by Bos- 


SUFFRAGETTES 


295 


ton people, so I don’t know how much of it I can 
trust.” 

Any writer can tell you we drove out the 
Indians who were the original inhabitants.” 

But we didn’t.” 

They’re gone, aren’t they? ” 

‘‘ Pretty much, but you’ll have to admit that 
^ we ’ weren’t the ones to drive them out.” 

Who did drive them then? ” retorted John. 

Englishmen.” 

That’s just a quibble,” declared John al- 
most angry as a laugh arose from the company. 
‘‘We live there now, don’t we? ” 

“We are not to blame for that. We didn’t 
ask to be born there, though for my part I’m 
glad I was, and I intend to make the most of my 
good fortune, too. I think the life in America 
is a hundred times better than the life in Eng- 
land — I mean better in the sense that a fellow 
has more of a chance to make a man of him- 
self.” 

“ How? Wliy? What do you mean? ” 

“ Well, I was talking with one of the men 
that manage the elevators in the Metropole. 
How much do you think he gets? Fifteen dol- 
lars a month! He has to rely on his tips for 
money enough to support his family.” 


296 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ He’s almost as badly off as a porter on a 
parlor car in America,” said John dryly as his 
friends all langhed. 

^ ‘ That may be true, but the son of the porter 
can be something more than his father was ; that 
is, if he has any more in him. Everybody over 
here stands with his hand out for a tip. I’d be 
afraid to offer the king a shilling unless I ex- 
pected him to take it, as I believe he would. Then 
think of the President of the United States own- 
ing a string of race horses. Think of a duke 
owning thousands of acres and not a man on his 
place being able to buy an acre. What chance 
does a fellow like that have, anyway? I’m glad 
it’s not that way in the United States or Can- 
ada. A man can show he is a man there ! ’ ’ 

“ Scott,” said John abruptly turning to his 
friend, haven’t I heard somewhere something 
about the Astors owning several little plots of 
ground in New York City? ” 

“ It’s true, whether you’ve heard it or not,” 
laughed Scott. 

And they’ve grown wealthy just by the in- 
crease in the value of the lands they held, too, ’ ’ 
John asserted. Then, Larc, it seems to me 
I’ve heard something about the timber lands, 
the mines, the pasture lands, and even the wheat 


SUFFRAGETTES 


297 


fields being not unduly scattered as far as own- 
ership is concerned. No, Larc, I^m not uphold- 
ing the conditions over here; I^m just saying 
that we must not throw too many stones, for we 
have an occasional pane of glass in our own 
house. The difference, at least the best differ- 
ence as I see it, is that on the other side of the 
Atlantic there is a new country, and there is 
so much land that there is a chance for every 
man who really wants it to get some for him- 
self. When our population has increased and 
we are as old as England you wonT see much 
difference. ^ ’ 

You can see the difference now,’^ declared 
Larcum. Look at the property of England. 
It’s mostly held by a few, and out of the people 
that die one in every forty is a pauper and is 
buried at public expense. See how congested 
London is. Why, in Whitechapel ” 

‘‘ There are places on the Bast Side of New 
York City that are more densely populated than 
any other places in the world,” interrupted 
John. 

‘‘It’s easy to say that.” 

“ It is true, Larc,” joined in Scott. 

“I’m not running down my own country,” 
continued John warmly. “I’m glad I live on 


298 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the other side of the Atlantic even if we do have 
the worst governed cities in the world. Look at 
Chicago, New York 

“ If Lee was here he’d tell you to look at 
Philadelphia,” broke in Scott with a laugh. 

The reference to Lee served to change the 
somewhat animated discussion, and until they 
retired for the night the strange disappearance 
of the missing member of the party was the sole 
topic of conversation. But no one had sug- 
gested a solution when at last conversation 
ceased. 

Sarah and Mary Goodman had been so in- 
sistent that the boys should go with them the 
following morning to visit Girton College that 
the young travelers had consented, and at nine 
o’clock two carriages were secured and the ride 
was begun promptly at the appointed hour. 

The spirits of all were high as they rode over 
the smooth road that led to the college three 
miles away. Stately homes, venerable trees, 
lawns that had been cared for for centuries, 
hedgerows instead of fences, and above all the 
quiet impressiveness of the beautiful region 
were all enjoyed by every member of the party. 

‘‘ It seems strange to think we are driving 
over one of the roads that the old Romans 


SUFFRAGETTES 


299 


built,’’ said John thoughtfully. ‘‘ If the stones 
could speak they could tell us some strange 
stories of the people of those days.” 

‘‘ Never mind, Jack, we’re here at the college 
now, ’ ’ said Larcum as the carriages turned into 
the Girton grounds. That is new I’m thank- 
ful to say.” 

Dismounting at the entrance the party was 
welcomed by two women, by whom a guide was 
secured to conduct the visitors through the at- 
tractive buildings. 

There are no long stairs to be climbed here, 
no elevators to carry the girls up five or six 
stories, I am thankful to say, ’ ’ said Mrs. Good- 
man as she looked interestedly at the long rows 
of red brick buildings, not one of which was 
more than two and a half stories high. Indeed 
the buildings were all wings,” artistically 
joined and of uniform architecture. Under the 
projecting roofs ran cloisters whose combined 
length was a mile. In the attractive library 
where were seen autographed copies of the 
works of famous authors (these books were all 
the gifts of the writers), the reading-room 
where to Sarah’s delight she discovered among 
the magazines on the tables some of the papers 
of American colleges for girls, the dining-room. 


300 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the grounds where the Girton girls played their 
games of tennis in summer and of hockey in 
winter were all shown. As no students were in 
residence now, even the rooms occupied by the 
college girls were shown the interested visitors. 

‘ ‘ Every girl has a sitting-room and bedroom 
to herself, ^ ’ exclaimed Mary in surprise. 

‘‘ I suppose most of the Girton students are 
old, aren^t they? ’’ inquired John of their guide. 

They are about eighteen when they enter,*’ 
replied the woman smiling as she spoke. 

“ What! How long is the college course? ” 
Three years, though some of the young 
ladies return to study another year for honors. * * 

‘ ‘ English girls must be smarter than the girls 
in our country,” remarked Scott demurely as 
he turned to Sarah. They are are eighteen 
when they enter Girton, and yet they have taken 
two hundred honors in mathematics at the Cam- 
bridge University examinations.” 

That’s not it,” replied Sarah quickly. 
“ The girls here don’t take as many different 
subjects as we do. Our course is broader and 
their ’s is deeper, that’s the difference.” 

Is it? ” 

‘‘ Yes, sir, it is! And besides the girls come 
here just to study. You remember what that 


SUFFRAGETTES 


301 


young Englishman said last night about his vis- 
iting his sister here at Girton? Well, that 
shows what the girls come here for. ’ ’ 

What do American girls go to college 

for? 

Pretty much the same thing that American 
boys go for.’^ 

Well, Girton is up to date anyway,’’ re- 
marked Larcum on their way back to their ho- 
tel ; ^ ‘ that ’s worth something. ’ ’ 

You’ll find Cambridge isn’t out of date, 
even if it is old,” said John. 

‘‘ Shall I? Well, perhaps I shall; I’m not 
sure. Listen to this,” continued Larcum as he 
drew a paper from his pocket. ‘ ‘ I showed this 
list of names to that young Englishman last 
night and asked him to pronounce them for me. 
He told me Woodmaucate was Woodmucket, 
Gainsborough was Gainsberry, Gunthwaite was 
Gunfit, Brightelstone was Brytun, Marylebone 
was Marrowbone, Crostwight was Corsit, Ilkley 
was Eethia, and Hawarden was Hardin. Do 
you know, I feel sometimes that I’d really like 
to travel in a land where the English language 
is spoken.” 

‘‘ Never mind, Larc,” laughed Scott, “ you’ll 
be going home soon. ’ ’ 


302 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Yes, I live in hope/’ 

The carriage had now halted in front of the 
hotel and a little dog ran barking noisily to 
greet the new arrivals. Here, yon! ” said 
Larcum, solemnly addressing the dog. What 
are you yelling so for? Yon don’t have to eat 
here.” 

Poor Larc, don’t yon get three meals a 
day? ” laughed Scott. 

‘‘ I am served with food at meals that have 
three different names. But it is the names that 
differ, not the food,” he added glumly. 


CHAPTER XXVII 


BUSY TIMES AND PLACES 

The following day saw the party again di- 
vided, the Goodmans to continue on their way 
to London and the three boys to resume their 
journey northward. Larcum^s interest, when 
he and his companions entered the busy manu- 
facturing towns of the north, increased greatly, 
and that of his companions was not by any 
means decreased. 

Smoky, unattractive in appearance, many of 
the cities appeared, and it was only when the 
great output of the mills was known that the 
real nature of the towns was appreciated. To 
Scott and Larcum the work of the busy mills ap- 
pealed more strongly than it did to John, who 
was locating the scene of many a tale he had 
read, while his friends were securing permits 
to visit the mills. The great numbers of large 
cities located near one another was at first a 
source of some surprise, but when the causes for 
such a condition were learned then the mystery 
in a measure was cleared. 

803 


304 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


A week was spent in this manner, the boys 
making the short journey from one town to an- 
other by rail, and when at last the time for 
their arrival at the city in Yorkshire, which was 
to be their destination, came, they were ready 
to sum up their experiences. They were seated 
together in a hotel in Newcastle, expecting the 
following morning to depart for York. 

“ Let me see,” said Larcum thoughtfully; 

weVe found out that the five leading in- 
dustries are commerce, manufacturing, mining, 
farming, and fishing.” As he spoke the young 
giant leaned back in his chair and checked off 
on the fingers of one hand the names as he 
called them. ‘‘ Now, of commerce,” he resumed, 
‘‘ of the twenty-nine million of steam tonnage 
nearly half is British. That is where I take off 
my hat to the Englishman. He does know how 
to build ships, and what^s more he builds them, 
too.” 

‘‘ Pity the United States is so far behind,” 
suggested Scott. 

Well, what could you expect? A country 
that consists of islands has to have boats. Then, 
when you think of the British empire extending 
to a fifth of all the land on the globe, and in- 
cluding one-fifth of all the men, women, and chil- 


BUSYs TIMES AND PLACES 305 


dren in the world, why there must he a little 
something to do in the way of boat-building,’’ 
said Larcum. 

‘‘ It is wonderful to me,” said John thought- 
fully, that two-thirds of all the cotton goods 
made in the world come from the cities of Eng- 
land. One would think a country like the 
United States, which grows the best and most 
cotton, would naturally make up more than any 
other country.” 

Give us time and we will,” said Larcum 
confidently. 

‘‘ I don’t know,” replied John. “We grow 
more wheat than any other country in the world. 
One would suppose you could buy bread cheaper 
in such a land than anywhere else, but the truth 
is that after the wheat has been brought from 
the West and then shipped across the ocean the 
price of bread in London is just about half what 
it is in New York City.” 

“ Yes, and I have seen sewing machines and 
watches for sale over here — I saw some to-day 
in Newcastle, every one made in the United 
States. It made me feel almost as if I was at 
home when I saw them, till I went in and in- 
quired the price. It struck me as a bit queer 
that these goods, made in America, should be 


306 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


sold to the Englishman for less than half what 
an American would have to pay for the same 
things made right in his own country.’’ 

Oh, what you saw was just the surplus,” 
said Larcum easily. What is left over we 
ship to England and sell to the natives. Of 
course, America is better off without the sur- 
plus, and if we can dispose of it, why, it just 
helps to keep our people employed.” 

Does it? ” said John demurely. 

Yes, sir, it does.” 

‘ ‘ When shall we be able to do our part ? ’ ’ 
Just as soon as our industries are de- 
veloped. ’ ’ 

“ How about the iron and steel? Next to 
cotton, iron and steel are the greatest industries 
in Great Britain. But everything in that line 
is cheaper here. It doesn’t seem square to me 
to make Americans pay more for what is pro- 
duced in their own country than the English- 
man has to pay for the very same things after 
they have been shipped over here, all the freight 
paid and all that. Why is it? ” 

‘‘ Labor is cheaper over here,” said John 
confidently. 

‘ ‘ Does that make the difference ? ’ ’ 

‘‘ Of course.” 


BUSY TIMES AND PLACES 307 


“ Then why are wages in England higher 
than they are in any other country in Europe? 
Germany makes one pay to bring any manu- 
factured article in there and England doesnT. 
Why are men in the same trade paid higher 
wages in England than in Germany? Eussia 
has the lowest wages and the highest taritf in 
Europe. Please explain that to me,’^ said 
John. 

^ ‘ Oh, the people are different, ’ ’ said Larcum 
lightly. 

Well, I^m glad I bought some knives at 
Sheffield, anyway,’’ said Scott. They told me 
there that the water and stones for grinding 
were what made Sheffield cutlery the best — al- 
though one man owned up to me that the water 
in Germany made the razors manufactured 
there the best in the world. What is the use of 
shutting ourselves out from the best just to 
help some man start .a business in which, in the 
long run, he can’t make as good an article any- 
way? ” 

‘‘ You must protect your own people,” said 
Larcum. 

Yes? Then why not protect a village 
against a city? Why not have Vermont shut 
out Florida oranges from coming into the State, 


308 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


and let somebody start an orange grove in Ver- 
mont? 

You haven’t much sense! ” declared Lar- 
cum somewhat testily. 

“ Well, weVe had foreign wool kept out of 
the United States, and we don’t seem to have 
been helped very much. And yet the woolen 
trade is the third in order in Great Britain. I 
ordered an overcoat in London and it is a 
beauty. It cost me just about one-third what 
I paid at home last year for one that is not 
nearly as good. ’ ’ 

‘‘I’m an American,” said Larcum. 

“ So am I,” retorted John, “ but I’m not a 
fool. We talk about our home market and all 
that, and then think if we take money out of 
our right pocket and put it in our left and then 
exchange it back again often enough, we get 
rich. ’ ’ 

“ I don’t believe any of us know much about 
it,” laughed Scott. 

“ Speak for yourself,” retorted Larcum, 

“ Well, Larc, let me ask you one more ques- 
tion and then I’ll quit,” persisted Scott. “ Will 
you explain to me how it is that Manchester and 
so many other of these English cities own their 
own trolley lines, the gas and water, and fur- 


BUSY TIMES AND PLACES 309 


nish these for the people at a lower rate — only 
about a third of what they cost us at home — 
and yet make enough money on them to pay the 
school tax and keep the other tax rates so low 
that they make ours look like the taxes a lunatic 
asylum might try to raise? Answer me that, 
will you? ’’ Aware that he had asked Larcum 
a question which at once would arouse all the 
ire of the young giant, Scott winked at John 
and then awaited the storm he was positive 
would come. 

‘ ‘ Stuff ! Stuff and nonsense, and you know 
it as well as I do ! ’ ’ roared Larcum. ^ ‘ In the 
first place, Manchester is a city in which the city 

officials serve without any salary 

‘‘ Why? broke in Scott mischievously. 

You know why as well as I do.” 

No, I don^t.” 

Well, then, I can’t explain to you. These 
men over here seem to be willing to work that 
way ” 

Are they more patriotic than our men? ” 
asked Scott blandly. 

I don’t know what you call it, but as long 
as Dennis McCarthy and Ivan Ivegottheitch are 
on our city councils you don’t want anything 
more than they have now put into their hands.” 


310 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Don’t the trolley lines have anything to 
do with the city council now? ” 

You know how it is! What’s the use, as 
long as the people elect such specimens, in try- 
ing to do anything different ? You have to fight 
the devil with fire, don’t you? ” 

I never had any experience; I can’t say. 
When I listen to you, Larc, I almost wish I 
might live to see the time when the T. G. 
and P., and a few other nice people like 
them, would try to do something with the 
cities.” 

You mean ^ do ’ the cities, don’t you, 
Scott? ” laughed John. 

‘ ‘ Things are different over here, anyway, and 
you understand that as well as I do. Here are 
these little islands off by themselves with a 
climate that is even and just fitted for manu- 
facturing certain articles, with only one kind of 
people among the inhabitants; every one of 
them knowing that in a time of danger they’ve 
all just got to stick together, with boats and min- 
erals and sheep and ” 

‘‘Yes, that’s all right,” interrupted Scott. 
“We admit all that, but what we want to know 
is why they are so far ahead of the rest of Eu- 
rope. I heard a man say the other day he 


BUSY TIMES AND PLACES 311 

wouldn’t trade England for all the rest of Eu- 
rope. ’ ’ 

“ I wouldn’t trade Cook County, 111., for the 
whole of England. I’ll admit the northern part 
is all right ” 

You haven’t seen the south yet,” broke in 
John. 

* ‘ The northern part is more like America, so, 
of course, it’s better,” went on Larcum, ignor- 
ing the interruption. ‘‘ They have cultivated 
almost every foot of ground — they had to. They 

have had coal and iron right at their doors ” 

In the house, the barn, and garden, too,” 
declared John. That is what I like. They 
haven’t tried to make mills in Nebraska to put 
up the oysters taken otf the Delaware. They 
haven’t built an iron mill two thousand miles 
from the mine, just to give the railroads a 
chance to haul it both ways and make the cost 
just that much more. They have the iron mills 
near the iron mines; the woolen mills right 

where the sheep live ” 

How about the cotton? ” laughed Larcum. 

‘‘ That is all right, too. The cotton mills in 
our country that are nearest the cotton fields 
don’t make the best goods. Of course, they can 
save a lot of money by building mills there, but 


312 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


the best goods have to have the water and air 
of New England. I haven’t any question that 
the cheaper grades of cotton, more and more, 
will be made in the South, but the best will be 
made in New England. That’s the reason why 
England will always manufacture cotton. Her 
climate and water are just right. ’ ’ 

You’d have us grow the cotton and England 
make it? ” 

‘‘I’d have every country, just as I would 
have every man, do the very best it is fitted 
for, and not try to do what it hasn’t any way 
of doing. Now, if China and Japan can grow 
and make silk for just about a quarter what it 
costs us to make it, do you think it is good busi- 
ness to set up silk mills to make something that 
costs us four times as much as it would if we 
bought the same things from the countries that 
can make them for the lowest money? ” 

“ Gives work to Americans, anyway,” re- 
torted Larcum. 

“ If you’d go into one of these mills, you’d 
soon see how many of the people working there 
are ‘ Americans.’ The trouble with you, Larc, 
is that you don’t think. You just think you are 
thinking. ’ ’ 

“ Well, I don’t think I think that what you 


BUSY TIMES AND PLACES 313 


think is worth thinking about, if you think you 
are thinking that I don’t think I think that 

what I think is Oh, help me ! Where am I, 

anyway? ” 

The young giant arose, yawned, and then 
stopped as a small boy in uniform came into the 
lobby, calling, ‘‘ Mister Brown, please.” 

That’s you, Larc,” suggested Scott. 

Here, boy! ” called Larcum. “ You’re 
right,” he added, when the boy brought a tele- 
gram addressed to Larcum Brown. 

Open it, Larc! Perhaps it’s some word 
from Lee, ’ ’ said Scott. 

Ignoring the plea, Larcum opened the mes- 
sage, and as soon as he read the contents his 
instant excitement was shared by his friends. 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


STARTLING INFORMATION 

‘‘It’s from the major,” said Larcum slowly. 

‘ ‘ Read it, man ! Read it ! ” begged Scott. 

“ I have read it.” 

“Read it aloud! Give it to me! Let me 
read it ! ” exclaimed Scott, as he seized the slip 
and instantly glanced at the contents. “ ‘ Have 
word. Return to London at once,’ ” he read 
aloud. “ What do you make of that, Larc? 
What’s your idea. Jack? ” he added as he 
turned to his friend. 

“ The major has had some word about Lee,” 
said John. 

“ You think we’d better start for London? ” 

“ Of course.” 

“ Why couldn’t the major have said that 
then? ” said Larcum. 

“ He has said it,” replied John. “ A blind 
man could see that. The only thing for us to 
do is to take the first train we can get.” 

“ Jack is right,” acknowledged Scott. “ You 

314 


STARTLING INFORMATION 315 


look after our bags and 111 look up the trains. 
Well leave on the first that starts for London.” 

Less than an hour had elapsed before the 
boys were seated in an express that was bound 
for London. The major’s telegram was read 
and reread many times. Larcum, in his matter- 
of-fact manner, speedily concluded that there 
was but one interpretation of the message — the 
major had received word concerning Lee, and 
was summoning his young friends to a consulta- 
tion. Scott, however, was thinking of the vari- 
ous meanings the words might imply, and long 
before the arrival of the train at its destination 
he had suggested several dire interpretations 
of the message, even going so far as to mention 
the discovery of Lee’s body in a morgue. 

‘‘ That’s the most reasonable suggestion of 
all,” snitfed Larcum. ‘‘ Probably Lee was run 
over by a taxicab, and his lifeless body was at 
once taken to a morgue where it sat up and 
dictated a message to the major. That’s what 
the major meant by ‘ have word.’ Scott, you 
are certainly one of the best foreboders I ever 
met. If it is a beautiful day you sigh and say, 
^ Ah, but it’s a weather breeder.’ ” 

That’s all right, Larc. Might as well be 
that as to live in Fool’s Paradise and be a cheer- 


316 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


ful idiot that never can see anything but fun 
anyway or anywhere.’’ 

Oh, well, we’ll know all about it now,” said 
John lightly, when at last the boys arrived at 
the London station. A four-wheeler was at once 
secured, and in a brief time the young travel- 
ers were again in the Metropole. 

Even before they registered, they all went 
together to the office for mail and telegrams. 
There were several letters for each of the boys, 
but not one was opened when a telegram was 
handed Larcum. 

It’s from the major,” he explained as he 
read it hastily. ‘ Called out of town. Back 
to-morrow.’ ” 

And not a word of explanation? ” de- 
manded John. 

‘‘ That’s all there is in the message.” 

Then there’s nothing for us to do but 
wait. ’ ’ 

The same as we’ve been doing for weeks.” 

‘ ^ Then we ought to have learned how to do it 
by this time.” 

It was too late in the evening to think of any 
means of diversion, and so all three boys wisely 
concluded to retire for the night. 

The following morning, after breakfast, when 


STARTLING INFORMATION 317 


the boys were coming from the dining-room, 
they beheld the major just entering the hotel. 

Good morning! exclaimed Larcum, as he 
and his companions rushed forward to greet 
their friend. You have brought us word at 
last? 

Ah, yes. Quite so. Quite so,’’ replied the 
major, when he had responded to the greetings 
of the young travelers. I fancy it would be 
better for us to go into some corner of the 
reading-room where we can confer without any 
fear of disturbance.” 

As the boys made no protest, and eagerly fol- 
lowed their friend into the room he indicated, 
they soon were seated in a corner near the 
street, and awaiting the message they believed 
the major had for them. 

I am quite sure it will be better to begin 
at the beginning,” began the major deliber- 
ately. I was quite upset, you know, by my 
failure to receive any word from my friends 
in the north. It really was most extraordinary. 
But I soon learned that the delay was not due 
to any fault of my friends, for they were making 
a remarkable search.” 

Didn’t they find anything? ” broke in 
Scott. 


318 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


They did. That is what I am explaining to 
you now. Finally, one of my friends sent me 
two clippings from a Manchester periodical, I 
fancy, though he did not refer to the newspaper. 
The first of these clippings was this, ’ ^ explained 
the major, as he held forth a cutting not more 
than an inch in length. A young American, 
whose name is unknown, was to-day taken to 
the city hospital. No name was found on his 
person, but his hat, boots, and tailors were 
American, as was discovered from the tags. 
The young man was partly demented, and his 
actions implied that he had received a severe 
blow on the head — perhaps he was the victim 
of some motor accident.’’ 

There! What did I tell you? ” demanded 
Scott. Is that all, major? ” 

Not quite all, sir. There is an added note 
suggesting that the case had been reported to 
the American consul.” 

“ Of course you found out what the consul 
learned? ” 

‘‘ Only in part. My friend telegraphed for 
a description of the young man, and then wired 
to me the information he had received. This is 
the description : ‘ Age, about twenty-eight ; 
height, five feet five; weight, one hundred and 


STARTLING INFORMATION 319 


ninety pounds; eyes, dark brown; hair, light 
brown ; no beard ; scar on neck under left ear. ’ ’ ’ 

That’s not Lee! ” exclaimed John. 

‘ ^ Precisely. Quite so, ’ ’ responded the major. 
I fancied it would relieve your minds to re- 
ceive the information.” 

What is the other, major? ” inquired Lar- 
cum impatiently. 

The other note is a dispatch from York. 
It reads as follows : ‘ Yesterday an American 
was placed under arrest here for fraudulent at- 
tempts to claim a title to certain coal lands lo- 
cated near Durham ” 

‘‘That’s Lee!” exclaimed Scott excitedly. 
“ What did you do, major? ” 

“ Pardon me, I will read the entire report 
first — ‘ Fraudulent attempts to secure a title to 
certain coal lands located near Durham. It is 
not the first effort of the kind. Almost every 
month some adventurous person from the States 
comes to Yorkshire and attempts to prove a 
claim to some of the valuable coal lands of the 
region. Usually the claim is based upon a 
tradition that some remote ancestor had not re- 
linquished any right, fancied or real, in the 
lands that some of his family may have held in 
former years. Like all the Yankees, the young 


320 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


man at present under arrest is extremely ag- 
gressive and assertive. A sense of what is fit- 
ting, not to mention just or right, does not ap- 
pear to be one of the products of life in the 
States. It is high time that an example should 
be made of these pernicious and dangerous per- 
sons. The arrest of the young man, to whom 
reference is made, was followed by such an out- 
cry and by such an ill-advised protest, that at 
last his desire to appeal to the American consul 
was granted. Upon the recommendation of the 
latter the arrested person was reluctantly re- 
leased. It is to be hoped that having profited 
by his lesson, he will not soon repeat his at- 
tempt. The name of the man is Boyd Arm- 
strong. He claimed a residence in Wheeling, a 
town, according to the prisoner’s statement, of 
considerable importance, located not far from 
the State line of Pittsburg.’ ” 

‘‘ Boyd Armstrong! ” exclaimed the boys to- 
gether. 

‘‘ That is the name given in the dispatch.” 
said the major, glancing again at the slip in his 
hand as he spoke. 

‘‘ Well, Armstrong came from the coal county 
and that may help explain his interest in Lee,” 
said John thoughtfully. ‘‘ Major,” he added. 


STARTLING INFORMATION 321 


did you follow up the matter? Did you get 
any word about Lee ? ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Indeed, I did, and that is what I am explain- 
ing,’’ replied the major. ‘‘ I got at once into 
telegraphic communication with my friends, and 
they reported quite naturally that Boyd Arm- 
strong and Lee Harris were not one and the 
same person. ’ ’ 

“ How very extraordinary,” murmured Scott, 
with a laugh. 

Keep still, Scott,” said Larcum almost 
angrily, in a low voice. ‘‘ You’ll have to let 
him take his own way. He’ll get to the point 
pretty soon.” 

‘‘ They further discovered that this man, 
Armstrong, sailed from Liverpool for New 
York soon after he was released.” 

‘‘ Did Lee go with him? ” asked John. 
a There is a bit of confusion there,” replied 
the major. There was the name of a certain 
party, Harris Lee, on the shipping list of the 
steamer on which this Mr. Armstrong sailed.” 

Yes, yes; we know that,” broke in Scott 
impatiently. 

My friends fancied there might have been 
an error in transcribing the name, you know, 
and that the true name was Lee Harris, not 


322 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Harris Lee. They fancied the young man 
might have been frightened by the arrest of 
Armstrong, and then transposed his own name 
in a sudden alarm, lest he, too, might be under 
suspicion, you know.’’ 

He didn’t do anything of the kind! ” said 
Larcum sharply. ‘‘ Is that all you have 
learned, major? ” 

‘‘Not quite, sir. Yesterday I received this 
somewhat mysterious message.” As he spoke 
the major drew from his pocket another slip and 
handed it to Larcum. “ It’s a wireless! It’s 
a marconigram ! ’ ’ said Larcum in surprise. 

‘ ‘ Oh, read it, Larc ; read it or let me have it ! 
You’re as bad as the — as some other people,” 
Scott hastily corrected himself. 

“ It’s from the New York/* 

“ The steamer? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Will you read it? ” 

“ Why, it’s directed to me! ” exclaimed Lar- 
cum. 

“ Indeed, it is. I should not have thought 
of opening it except for your instructions for 
me to do so in your absence ” 

“ Larc, will you read that marconigram? ” 
demanded Scott. 


STARTLING INFORMATION 323 


Don’t get impatient ” 

‘‘I’m not going to get; I am already.” 

Slowly Larcum read the message twice 
through to himself before he relieved the sus- 
pense of his friends. “ Expect to be in 
Southampton on the thirtieth. Tell the other 
fellows. ’ ’ 

“ How is it signed! ” inquired John. 

“ Harris.” 

“ Is it Lee Harris or Harris Lee! ” 

“ You know as much about that as I 
do.” 

“ There isn’t any question about it; it’s a 
message from Lee,” said John positively. “ It 
is plain now that he went back home and has 
sailed again for England. The wireless was 
sent to Larcum, and was directed to him at the 
Metropole, London. It is all as plain as day- 
light. The thing for us to decide now is what 
we are to do.” 

“ There is only one thing for us to do,” said 
Larcum. 

“ Go to Southampton! ” inquired Scott. 

“ Of course.” 

“ To-day is the twenty-eighth. Lee, if it is 
Lee, doesn’t expect to arrive until day after to- 
morrow. ’ ’ 


324 FOVE BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


‘‘ That doesn’t make any difference. We’ll 
start to-morrow morning.” 

‘ ^ How shall we go ? ” 

‘‘In an antomohile,” replied Larcnm. 

“ But you haven’t any motor car,” suggested 
the major. 

“ We’ll engage one to-night. You’ll go with 
us, of course, major? ” 

“ Thank you. You are very kind. I am sure 
I should enjoy the ride very much, but you 


“You are going, major! That is one matter 
settled anyway. Now, I’ll go to see about en- 
gaging a motor. You wait here. I’ll be back in 
a few minutes. ’ ’ 

As Larcum arose to depart from the room a 
man also arose who had been seated near the 
boys, apparently deeply engrossed in a news- 
paper, which he held before him in such a man- 
ner that his face was concealed. 

“ Look at that man! ” whispered Scott ex- 
citedly to John. “ Do you know who he is? ” 

“I do,” answered John promptly, as he 
sprang to his feet. “I’m going to follow him, ’ ’ 
he added, as he seized his hat and at once de- 
parted. 


CHAPTER XXIX 


PKEPAEED FOE WAE 

An hour later, when Larcum and John re- 
turned and joined their friends, the former re- 
ported that he had secured an automobile which 
would be ready for them within a half-hour. 

Did you find your man. Jack? ’’ he inquired 
as John entered the room a few minutes after- 
ward. 

‘‘No, I didn%’’ replied John shortly. 

“ Who was he, anyway? ” demanded Scott. 
“ I didn’t get a good look at him, and the first I 
knew Jack was leaving us, saying he was going 
to follow the gentleman.” 

“ He was the man that told Larc about the 
sailing of Armstrong and Lee; that is, if Lee 
really did sail. I have my doubts myself.” 

“ What! ” exclaimed Larcum; “ was that 
man here? ” 

‘ ‘ He certainly was, and I think he was listen- 
ing all the time to what we were saying. He 
held a newspaper before his face, and left just 
as soon as Larc started from the room.” 

325 


326 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


And you let him get away from you? ’’ said 
Larcum. 

He didn^t get away, because I never once 
saw him after he went out of this room. I in- 
quired of the porters, hut no one seemed to 
know anything about him. Of course, I don’t 
know who he is, so I couldn’t tell his 
name. ’ ’ 

‘‘ I wish I had seen him. He wouldn’t have 
got away from me ! ’ ’ 

I told you he didn’t ‘ get away ’ from me, 
either! ” retorted John, somewhat aroused by 
the implied rebuke. And if I am not mis- 
taken, you didn’t succeed in getting very much 
from him the last time you saw him. ’ ’ 

I would this time,” said Larcum con- 
fidently. 

‘‘ I fancy with this marconigram we are not 
dependent on this gentleman or any other,” 
blandly suggested the major. We shall know 
much more about the entire matter within a day 
or two.” 

Day after to-morrow,” said Scott. 

The only thing for us to do now is to go 
with the automobile,” said John. ‘‘We can’t 
do anything more in London for a while, and we 
can take our time on our way to Southampton. 


PREPARED FOR WAR 


327 


It can’t be much more than a hundred miles 
from London.” 

“ It is not,” explained the major. 

‘‘ Then we can take our time,” said Larcum 
quickly. Why aren’t you getting ready to 
start? ” 

“ We’ll be ready by the time you are, Larc,” 
laughed Scott, as the boys at once hastened to 
their rooms. As soon as their bags were packed, 
and all three boys rejoined the waiting major, 
they left directions for forwarding telegrams, 
their trunks also being left in care of the por- 
ters, and then all four took their places in the 
waiting automobile. 

A brief stop was made at the major’s lodg- 
ings to enable him to secure some of his neces- 
sary belongings, and then the journey to the 
south of England was begun. 

The wireless message which Larcum had re- 
ceived for a time served to make the hearts of 
the young travelers light. There was not a 
question in the mind of any, except John, that 
the word was from Lee himself, and with its 
reception there came also a feeling that their 
friend, at least, was safe, although his disap- 
pearance was still as strange and unaccountable 
as it previously had been. 


328 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


The motor darted swiftly through the crowded 
streets of London, past houses of the wealthy, 
every one of which had a marvelous garden; 
past parks and drives, until at last the suburbs 
were reached. Even Larcum was willing to ad- 
mit that London was a wonderful city, with its 
great commerce, its population of seven mil- 
lions, and its multitudes of paupers. That^s 
what I don’t like about it,” he said. ‘‘ A few 
have too much and all the rest shade down from 
a little to nothing or less.” 

‘‘ A man can’t have less than nothing, Larc,” 
laughed Scott. 

‘ ^ Oh, yes, he can, my friend. ’ ’ 

‘‘I’d like to have you tell me how.” 

“ He can have nothing, can’t he? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Well, then, he can have debts besides, can’t 
he? If he gets work and earns enough to 
pay his debts, he’ll then be where he has 
nothing. ’ ’ 

“ At least, he’ll have the debts, and that is 
something. ’ ’ 

“ I don’t see that England is so very differ- 
ent from America,” began John. “ In our 
country a few men have control of the coal, the 
oil, the railroads ” 


PREPARED FOR WAR 


329 


But with us it's not a fixed state of things," 
broke in Larcum. If a man leaves a big for- 
tune he can't entail it beyond his grandchildren. 
If his sons or his sons' sons haven't brains 
enough, or are too lazy to look after their pos- 
sessions, then some one that has brains and is 
willing to work will get it all away from them 
pretty soon." 

‘‘A beautiful picture of life, Larc; you'll 
have to admit that. A pack of snarling curs 
can do all that." 

'Pon my word," began the major, ‘‘ you 
people in the States are after what you call the 
^ Almighty Dollar.' My word, I never saw any- 
thing like it. ' ' 

‘‘ Do you think we are worse in that respect 
than the English! " asked John quickly. 

Indeed, I do." 

I haven't noticed that Englishmen are any 
more philanthropic than we are. You cer- 
tainly know how to charge ; and a traveler here 
does not receive as his first impression any 
failure on the part of any one to neglect what 
is coming to him. You can't get out of a hotel 
without the servants and all lining up, from the 
cook to the bellboy, all holding out their hands 
for a ‘ tip.' " 


330 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


But that, you know, is the usual thing,” 
said the major calmly. 

Yes, I know it — to my cost,” laughed John, 
who, when any slight was cast upon his own 
country was quick to resent it, however free he 
might consider himself to be to make his own 
criticisms. 

Don’t lose sight of what we’re seeing,” sug- 
gested Scott. 

The warning was heeded, and for a time, as 
the car sped over the smooth roads, past long 
lines of hedgerows, through quaint villages with 
names familiar and yet strange to the young 
travelers, with visions of men toiling in the 
fields, of quaint little houses of brick with roofs 
of thatch, sleek cattle, of flocks of sheep, and 
blooded and well-car ed-f or horses grazing in the 
green pastures, the boys seldom spoke. Their 
interest in the beautiful region was so apparent 
that the major could not conceal his pride and 
pleasure. 

I have a surprise for you young gentle- 
men,” he said at last. 

‘ ‘ What is that ? ’ ’ asked Scott. 

We are to stop at Aldershot,” said the 
major proudly. 

“ What’s that! ” inquired Larcum. 


PREPARED FOR WAR 


331 


For a moment the major stared at the young 
giant, almost as if he was unable to credit what 
he had just heard. 

‘‘Aldershot! My word! I fancied every 
one knew of Aldershot. Why, that is re- 
markable! It is very extraordinary! Why, 
Aldershot is one of our military camps. It cov- 
ers nine square miles. We can accommodate 
twenty thousand men in the camp. Some of 
our most extensive military maneuvers are 
worked out and practiced there. Ah! ” the 
major interrupted himself, “ here we are at the 
Woking Necropolis. And yonder is the special 
funeral train that makes a daily run from 
London. ’ ’ 

“What did you say this place isV^ asked 
Scott. 

“ Woking Necropolis.’’ 

“ What’s that? ” 

“ Why, sir, it is an immense cemetery. 
There are two thousand acres in it alto- 
gether.” 

“Yes, I see,” said Larcum. “People in 
London are very fond of the dead. ’ ’ 

“ Naturally.” 

“ What I mean is that the longer a man is 
dead the better he is liked over here,” 


332 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


said Larcum. ‘‘ Live men don’t count; only 
those who have passed away a long time 
ago.” 

‘‘We are proud of our history.” 

“ That may be, but the question is what can 
you do to-day? ” 

“ I fancy we shall at least try to live up to 
our history.” 

“ You ought to do better. What is history 
good for if it doesn’t push each generation 
ahead of the one before it. Now, what will you 
do when Germany sends her armies and fleets 
over here? That’s the question.” 

The major’s face instantly scowled, but all 
he said was, “ If the emperor chooses to try that 
game, we’ll be ready for him.” . 

“ I don’t know,” said Larcum, shaking his 
head. ‘ ‘ You certainly had your troubles in the 
Boer war. If it took all the men it did to whip 
a few Dutch farmers, what will you do when 
you have to meet a body of trained men like 
those in the German army? ” 

“ The Boer war,” replied the major, his face 
flushing as he spoke, “ was no true test. It was 
fighting like that of Braddock’s about Fort Pitt, 
in America. We had to learn the men and the 
ground ” 


PREPARED FOR WAR 


333 


If you get into a war with Germany, she 
will whip you, ’ ^ broke in Larcum boldly. 

‘ ‘ Every man is entitled to his opinion. ’ ’ 

But don^t you think so yourself? 

‘ ‘ I shall wait until you have seen the camp at 
Aldershot before I reply to your query. 

How many men have you in your army? 

‘‘Not so many as we ought to have,’’ said 
the major hotly. 

“ Probably you are speaking as a soldier; 
you want a big army, but the men who might 
have to serve may not feel the same way about 
it.” 

“ A few years ago we had nearly two hun- 
dred thousand in our regulars. Some of the 
blooming idiots in Parliament cut it down to less 
than a hundred and seventy thousand. ’ ’ 

“ That’s all right, but how many have you 
altogether? ” 

“ Including the militia and the reserves, the 
railway reserves, and those of the post-office 
and telegraph reserve, we have about nine hun- 
dred thousand.” 

“ Do you count infants in arms? ” demurely 
asked Larcum. 

“ Oh, no,” replied the major soberly. “ No 
one under the required age is enrolled.” 


334 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


What do your soldiers wear their drinking 
cups on their heads for ? ’ ’ 

Their drinking cups? I fancy I do not 
quite comprehend/’ 

Oh, I mean those funny little tin cups that 
are strapped on the tops of the soldiers’ heads.” 
They are caps, sir; not cups.” 

Oh, are they? Are they, indeed? They 
seemed to me to be just little cups, and I sup- 
posed, of course, they were used to drink with 
when the army was marching. They are really 
caps, are they? ” 

Quite so.” 

What does your army cost a year? ” 

‘ ^ About twenty-eight millions. ’ ’ 

Sterling? ” 

Certainly.” 

‘‘ What does your navy cost? ” 

‘‘ It costs more than the army. About thirty- 
two or three millions.” 

Just to keep it going? ” 

Quite so.” 

Let me see, that’s about sixty million 
pounds a year — ^more than three hundred mil- 
lion dollars. That’s more than seven dollars 
and a half for every man, woman, and child in 
the British Isles. That includes paupers, old 


PREPARED FOR WAR 


335 


people, babies — every one. Just to keep up 
such an army and navy is an expensive luxury, 
isn^t it? 

Pardon me, it is not a luxury, it is a 
necessity. ^ ’ 

Necessary for what? ’’ 

For the defense of the empire. Defense 
from its enemies.” 

‘‘ What enemies? ” 

<< Why the enemies of the empire.” 

Who are the enemies? ” 

‘‘We cannot always determine. They may 
arise very unexpectedly, and we must be pre- 
pared. ’ ’ 

“ But you ought not to make any enemies. 
If you treated every one squarely couldn’t you 
get along without such an expensive army? ” 

“ Sometimes the best means of preventing 
trouble is to be ready for it before it comes. 
Yonder is Aldershot! ” the major abruptly ex- 
claimed, and instantly his fellow-travelers were 
looking with manifest interest in the direction 
in which he was pointing. And truly the sight 
was one to stir their souls. A sudden long blast 
by a bugler added interest to the scene, and the 
speed of the automobile instantly was increased. 


CHAPTEE XXX 


VALUATION'S 

It was a marvelously stirring scene which 
greeted the boys upon their arrival at Aider- 
shot. Multitudes of white tents, hands of musi- 
cians, soldiers in their scarlet uniforms, some 
of the men being mounted upon horses that al- 
most seemed to share in the spirit of the camp, 
and visitors in great numbers were seen all 
about them. 

‘ ‘ This is something like it ! ’ ^ exclaimed Lar- 
cum, as he gazed at the stirring scene. 

Beg pardon,’^ said the major, but what is 
it like? 

‘‘ Like business,’^ laughed Larcum. It 
gives one an idea of what the Englishman is 
and can do to-day.’’ 

“Ah, yes; quite so,” responded the major, 
pleased with the implied praise in Larcum ’s 
words, though he manifestly failed to compre- 
hend fully what was said. “We are just in 
time for some of the afternoon maneuvers. I 
fancy they will also interest you. ’ ’ 

336 


VALUATIONS 


337 


Artillery, cavalry, infantry, all were in mo- 
tion now. For two hours the boys were inter- 
ested spectators, and the marching and counter- 
marching, the advance and retreat, indeed, all 
the activities were keenly watched. When at 
last the party turned away, John said: It is 
a wonderful army that England has ! I under- 
stand now why it is that in any part of the 
world to be able to say one is an Englishman 
is to receive instant respect and protection.’’ 

Oh, the English army is all right,” said 
Larcum lightly, winking at Scott. It is all 
right until it runs up against a proposition like 
the old Continentals or a man like Washington 
or Greene.” 

Never mind, Larc,” said John before the 
major could respond. You’ll have to ac- 
knowledge that in a good many parts of the 
world where an American gets into trouble he 
goes to the British consul to get help.” 

Not so much as he did a few years ago. 
I’m perfectly willing to admit,” Larcum added 
cordially, ‘ ‘ that England is all right, and really 
is almost half as big as she thinks she is. Blood 
is thicker than water, and I am sure that if 
England had a war with any other nation, I 
don’t care what it is, I’d be on England’s side.” 


338 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


That is very good of you; very good, in- 
deed/’ said the major soberly. 

Larcum’s face flushed slightly as the boys 
laughed, and he glanced quickly at the major, 
but the face of the latter was expressionless. 
^ ‘ Oh, well, ’ ’ he said, ^ ‘ we ’re all Englishmen, 
after a fashion. A man doesn’t count for much 
who doesn’t look out for his own mother.” 

Sometimes she acts a bit like the step- 
mother you read about,” broke in Scott good- 
naturedly. There was that atfair with the 
Alabama, major, in the Civil War in America. 
I never have felt that you did just the right 
thing by us then. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Lee might have a different story to tell,” 
suggested John. 

‘‘ Ah, but you must not forget that England 
is one thing and what a few Englishmen may 
do is quite another. In your little tempest in a 
teapot, which you glorify by calling it a revolu- 
tion, you have just begun to understand that the 
principles for which you were contending were 
dear to Englishmen everywhere. They were 
standing for the same things in England that 
the Yankee farmers were fighting for in the 
States. If it had not been for a few foolish 
advisers of King George, doubtless the map of 


VALUATIONS 


339 


the New World and the Old would be very dif- 
ferent from what it is to-day. But the real map 
of the world is not made along geographical 
lines. The British Isles, Canada, Australia, 
New Zealand — wherever the British flag floats 
— there you invariably find a people that in 
spirit are just like every other body of men that 
look up to the same bit of bunting.’^ 

‘‘ I can stand it all except that little tin cup 
that Tommy Atkins has strapped to the side of 
his head, ’ ’ laughed Larcum. 

Some seem to like it,^’ suggested Scott with 
a laugh. ‘ ‘ Did you notice how many girls there 
were in the crowd watching the maneuvers this 
afternoon? There ^s nothing like ‘ brass but- 
tons ’ after all.^’ 

‘‘ Except tin cups,’^ retorted Larcum. 

In order to make the most of the time before 
the arrival in Southampton, the ride southward 
was resumed as soon as the boys had obtained 
their dinner, and late that evening they arrived 
at Winchester. 

Early the following morning the boys were 
astir, and before the final part of their journey 
was made, at the earnest solicitation of the 
major, they consented to go with him to see 
some of the places of interest in the quaint lit- 


340 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


tie city. There was a visit to the old castle and 
the hall where Parliament met for several hun- 
dred years. You see,’’ explained the major, 
^‘Winchester was the real capital of the 
Saxons. Here came William the Conqueror, 
here King Arthur was often found. I’ll show 
you soon a new and marvelous statue of King 
Alfred, who was a famous king of the Sax- 


“ Yes, I believe I have heard somewhere, 
sometime, something to that effect,” ac- 
knowledged Larcum. 

“ Quite so. Then we’ll look about the fa- 
mous Winchester school, and I’ll show you the 
course over which the boys row on the 
Itchen ” 

“ On the what? ” demanded Larcum. 

“ On the Itchen — the little river here.” 

“ Why don’t they change the name? It’s 
too bad to have such a pretty little stream 
spoiled by such a name.” 

“ Why! ” exclaimed the major, “ that has 
been the name for centuries ! ’ ’ 

“ Is that a good reason for not changing 
it? ” 

“ Quite so.” 

‘ ‘ Then why did your army ever give up using 


VALUATIONS 


341 


crossbows and spears? They are the weapons 
that were used for hundreds of years, weren’t 
they? ” 

“ Yes; quite so. But, you see, the invention 
of gunpowder changed all that. ’ ’ 

Oh, yes; that’s true, major.” 

When the boys stopped in the street before 
the mammoth statue of King Alfred the Great, 
they were all silent for a time gazing up at the 
strong face and majestic figure of the man who, 
years ago, had done so much for England. The 
satisfaction of the major was apparent as he 
noticed the impression made upon the boys, but 
the spell was broken when the irreverent Lar- 
cum said, Do you know what Americans he 
makes me think of ? ” 

‘ ‘ No, ” replied the major. ‘ ‘ Of whom does 
he remind you? ” 

Jeffries, or John L. Sullivan.” 

Larc, you ought to be ashamed of your- 
self! ” exclaimed John with a laugh. 

What for? All I’m judging from is the ap- 
pearance. I don’t know what is inside, only 
I’m sure Alfred had a big heart and a clear 
head. But just look at that statue 1 The shoul- 
ders, the muscles, the size of the biceps — why 
Alfred as a fullback could have bowled over any 


342 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


team that tried to stop him. But, then,’’ he 
added with a sigh, all good men and all great 
men are large.” As he spoke the young giant 
threw back his shoulders, and his own great 
strength became apparent. His companions 
laughed, knowing their friend well, and suc- 
ceeded in diverting the major, who began to 
quote Caesar, William of Orange, Lord Eoberts, 
Napoleon, and others to prove the incorrectness 
of Larcum’s assertion. 

Here’s where I find what I want,” the lat- 
ter exclaimed, when later the boys rode to an 
ancient hospital where a man in a quaint and 
ancient garb conducted the visitors from one 
room to another. 

When, and by whom, was this keyhole 
made? ” inquired Larcum solemnly of their 
guide, as the party stopped before a massive 
door. 

‘‘ The scholars are not agreed as to the date, 
sir, but they are working upon the problem now, 
and we are hopeful we shall soon know. The 
year was either 1497 or 1498.” 

‘‘ Indeed,” said Larcum solemnly. ‘‘ When 
the scholars have agreed as to that important 
matter, would you mind sending me word? I’ll 
enclose a stamped and self-directed envelope.” 


VALUATIONS 


343 


‘‘ I shall be very pleased to do so,’^ replied 
the guide. ‘‘You have no history in America, 
and doubtless this collection would be of great 
value there. Might I inquire what you would 
consider this collection worth! 

“ Certainly,’^ assented Larcum. “ I think,’’ 
he added, as he gazed critically about him, 
“ that the stuff might bring thirty cents.” 

‘ ‘ Ha ! Ha ! I fancy that must be one of the 
American jokes. I know many wealthy men 
from the States who would give a large sum for 
these valuable possessions.” 

“ Yes; I suppose you can find all kinds of 
men. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ But they really would give large sums to se- 
cure these valuables for America.” 

“ I don’t dispute it; but if you were to visit 
the United States or Canada, you would find 
more who seem to think that modern inventions 
and the latest improvements are not altogether 
bad.” 

“ Ah, I fear there is slight conception of the 
value of history in your country. With us it is 
different, you know. ’ ’ 

“ I have heard that a fly in a dish of black- 
berries was not so bad. If you cover it with 
cream and sugar it is said to be quite good.” 


344 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Larcum spoke soberly, and the guide gazed at 
him stolidly, as if he did not comprehend the 
meaning of the statement of the young trav- 
eler. You see,’’ Larcum continued, ‘‘ a live 
dog is to be preferred to a dead lion. ’ ’ 

The British lion is not dead, sir,” re- 
sponded the guide quickly. 

‘‘ Quite so. It’s the signs of life that interest 
me, not what is dead and buried. I think Eng- 
land of to-day is wonderful, but I am not very 
much impressed by the relics of other days. 
They are out of date.” 

Tell me,” said the guide, apparently hope- 
less of convincing his visitors, ‘‘ do you really 
have buildings in your country so high that they 
are commonly known as skyscrapers 1 ’ ’ 

Indeed, we do,” spoke up Scott. There 
are buildings forty-two stories high in the city 
where I live, and application has just been made 
to put up another over sixty stories from the 
ground to the top. We expect soon to be able 
to talk to the people on Mars. ’ ’ 

That is quite remarkable,” said the guide 
slowly, though the expression of incredulity on 
his face could not be entirely concealed. 

The visit of the boys was soon ended, and 
when they departed from the grounds, they de- 


VALUATIONS 


345 


cided to go at once to Southampton. Word had 
been received that the New York would dock 
late in the afternoon. So filled were the boys 
now with thoughts of their long-missing friend 
that their interest in the region through which 
they were speeding was much less than it had 
been in the former part of their journey from 
London. 

When at last they arrived at their destination, 
they left their automobile at the hotel where 
they secured luncheon, and then at once made 
their way to the dock where the steamer was to 
land, although two hours must elapse before the 
New York was due. 

John busied himself in visiting the places 
where King Canute, the Dane, was said to have 
made his famous rebuke to his courtiers. From 
this place he went to the spot where the Pil- 
grims landed on their way from Holland to the 
Plymouth in old England, whence they sailed 
for Plymouth in New England. He found also 
the embarking place where Richard, of the lion 
heart, and his sturdy followers started for the 
crusades, and also where the English fleets had 
sailed in the wars with France. 

When he rejoined his friends he was com- 
pelled to listen to Larcum’s words concerning 


346 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


his own investigations. These docks are 
simply great/’ he exclaimed. They are as 
solid as the everlasting hills. Just think of the 
shipping — ^more than a hundred millions of dol- 
lars’ worth every year; and yet that is a good 
deal less than Liverpool’s, which takes in or 
sends out a third of all the British commerce. 
You see, the mail and passenger transportation 
from Southampton to London is the chief item 
here, while Liverpool has most of the cotton, 
iron, and woolen trade to handle. Think of 
Minnesota wheat coming straight through the 
Great Lakes, out through the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence, and then across the ocean to Liver- 
pool without change! It’s wonderful, I tell 
you ! And that commission of English railroad 
men that visited America reported when they 
got home that they couldn ’t find anything in the 
American system that was an improvement over 
their own! Why, I ” 

Larc, who’s that? ” broke in Scott, as he 
pointed to a man nearby. 

I know who he is. He’s the very man I’m 
looking for! ” replied Larcum, as he started 
toward the person indicated by his friend. 


CHAPTEE XXXI 


THE AKEIVAX. 

The man whom Larcnm was seeking had 
turned toward the lower end of the huge dock, 
and when he was overtaken by the young trav- 
eler he was beyond the hearing of the little 
group that was excitedly watching the meeting. 

‘‘ You were not expecting to find me here, 
were you? ’’ Larcum demanded, as at last he ac- 
costed the man. 

I don’t know that I was thinking of you,” 
replied the man, who was the one who had in- 
formed Larcum of the sailing of Armstrong for 
America. 

‘‘You are not surprised then to find me 
here? ” 

“ I am sure nothing you could do would sur- 
prise me in the least.” 

“ Nor interest you? ” 

“ That I did not say.” 

“ Oh, well, we’re here. My friends are back 
there at the other end of the dock.” 

347 


348 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Indeed? ’’ inquired the man in apparent in- 
difference, and without even glancing in the di- 
rection indicated. 

Have you come to meet Armstrong? ’’ 

“ Is he here, too? said the man quizzically. 
‘‘ Not just now. He may be when the New 
York comes in. She’s due to dock within an 
hour. ’ ’ 

Quite so. And is your missing friend also 
due on her? ” 

I don’t need to tell you that. You know as 
much about it as I do. ” 

‘‘ Quite so. I shall be interested in seeing 
the young gentleman who appears to be very 
much on the order of ‘ now you see it and now 
you don’t.’ You are quite certain, are you, that 
he is to arrive on the New York? ” The man’s 
manner was so tantalizing that for a moment 
Larcum’s fears returned with redoubled force. 
Was Lee really not on the incoming steamer? 
Did the man before him know more than he im- 
plied? A score of possibilities occurred to the 
troubled mind of the young giant, and for an 
instant his feeling of anger threatened to over- 
master his self-control. He was tempted to 
seize the stranger and compel him to disclose 
all he knew. Apparently, the man was not un- 



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THE ARRIVAL 


349 


aware of what was passing throngh the young 
American’s mind, and the implied challenge that 
appeared in the mocking smile on his face added 
to Larcum’s rage. By a supreme etfort he con- 
trolled himself, and without another word 
turned back and rejoined his waiting friends. 

What luck, Larc? Did you find anything 
new? ” inquired Scott quickly, as his friend 
drew near. 

No! ” snapped Larcum. 

Not a word? ” persisted Scott. The look 
which he received etfectually put an end to 
further questioning on Scott’s part; but John, 
who stood in less fear of the angry young giant, 
followed the latter as he turned and glared at 
the stranger, who now could be seen walking in 
the direction of the place where they were stand- 
ing. 

‘‘ Never mind, Larc,” said John lightly. 
‘‘ We’ll know all about it pretty soon. It’s only 
a few minutes before the New York is due. You 
didn’t hurt the man, did you? ” 

No! ” 

‘‘ Was he naughty? ” 

He was not nice,” replied Larcum, a sus- 
picion of a grin appearing on his face. He 
knows more than he pretends. And yet I ’d give 


350 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


five dollars just to know whether or not Lee 
Harris is on that boat.’’ 

Twenty-five cents a minute, Larc? Only 
twenty minutes now before she comes. That’s 
a piece of extravagance I didn’t expect to find 
in you. ’ ’ 

‘‘I’d give three times as much just to be 
shut in a room alone with that chap for five 
minutes. I’d know more when we came out — 
and so would he,” Larcum added grimly. 

“ Even after you had taken away a part of 
what he had? ” 

“Yes. Hello!” said Larcum abruptly. 
“ What’s all the excitement? The New York 
must be coming ! ’ ’ 

There was a bustle about the dock which 
plainly showed that some fresh cause of interest 
had arisen. Men were dragging gangplanks 
about, and, in groups, were taking their places 
at certain designated stations. 

“ You are right, Larc. There she is! ” said 
John eagerly, as he pointed to a steamer mani- 
festly drawing near the dock on which the boys 
were standing. Even the stranger and his 
knowledge were forgotten as the three friends, 
accompanied by the major, hastened to secure 
a position from which they might be able to 


THE ARRIVAL 


351 


scan the faces of the passengers that lined the 
decks and were grouped about the rail. There 
were many people, all as eager as the three boys, 
waiting on the dock, and an occasional shout 
or a sudden waving of a handkerchief indicated 
the discovery of some incoming passenger who 
was greeted with enthusiasm. 

I can’t see Lee anywhere,” said Scott 
gloomily. 

Neither of his friends responded, for both 
were anxiously peering at the lines of faces on 
the high ship above them. Slowly she was be- 
ing drawn alongside, and the excitement of the 
spectators increased, although most of the 
demonstrations evidently came from the Amer- 
icans in the assembly. 

As yet the three boys had not obtained even 
a glimpse of Lee or Armstrong. Again and 
again Scott had begun at one end of the line of - 
the passengers, and peering at one face after 
another had followed them to the other end 
looking in vain for his friend. ‘ ‘ Larc, he didn’t 
come,” he said in a low voice, as he looked back 
for a moment. 

But Larcum was not in the place where he had 
been a moment before, and at first Scott was 
unable to locate him. You stay here. Jack,” 


352 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


he suddenly said. ‘‘ Don’t lose sight of the 
gangway.” 

Where are you going? ” 

To see what Larc is doing. I’m half afraid 
he’ll get into trouble if we don’t look out for 
him. He’s over there,” he explained, as he 
pointed to a group standing nearer the bow and 
twenty-five yards away. He’s right behind 
that man he was talking to a few minutes ago — 
the one who knew about Armstrong sailing. ’ ’ 
Look out for Larc, Scott,” warned John, as 
he turned hastily back to renew his inspection 
of the incoming passengers. 

Soon the huge steamer was fast to the dock, 
and the flood of baggage began its swift descent. 
The throng of impatient passengers was still 
waiting on the deck, but among them neither 
Lee nor Armstrong was to be seen. 

Ah, I fancy that is our missing friend,” 
said the major soberly. 

Where? Where? I don’t see him! ” ex- 
claimed Scott. 

Up yonder, near the bow.” 

Glancing quickly in the direction indicated 
by the major, both Scott and John beheld Lar- 
cum and the stranger, whom he had persistently 
followed, standing near the gangway by which 


THE ARRIVAL 


353 


the second-cabin passengers were descending 
from the steamer. Near them were two who 
had just disembarked, and both boys recognized 
them as Lee and Armstrong. 

Disregarding the major, and apparently ig- 
noring the presence of the crowd on the dock, 
with a shout Scott and John made their way to 
the place where their friends were standing. 
As the boys rushed upon their lost comrade, 
Scott shouted, Are you there? ” 

‘‘I’m not an English telephone, Scott,” 
laughed Lee, as he seized the outstretched hand 
of his friend and then impulsively turned and 
greeted John. 

“ Where did you come from, Lee? ” de- 
manded Scott. 

“ Just now I’m from New York — city and 
steamer.” 

“ Give an account of yourself, sir! What do 
you mean by getting us into all this trouble ? ’ ’ 

Ignoring the question, Lee turned to Arm- 
strong who was waiting nearby, and said, “ You 
remember Mr. Armstrong, don’t you, fellows? 
He was on the steamer with us ” 

“ Ohy yes, we remember Mr. Armstrong quite 
well, ’ ’ broke in Larcum. ‘ ‘ In fact, we have had 
the pleasure of meeting several times since you 


354 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


gave us the slip, Lee. Have you two been trav- 
eling together? 

^ ‘ Mr. Armstrong kindly shared his room with 
me,^’ explained Lee, as he glanced meaningly at 
the man to whom he referred. Armstrong him- 
self was silent, however, and the mystified boys 
glanced in perplexity, first at Lee and then at 
his companion. The man whose name was still 
unknown, who had informed Larcum of the sail- 
ing of Armstrong, and had so successfully baf- 
fled all the attempts of the young travelers to 
induce him to clear up the mystery of the 
strange disappearance of Lee, was standing 
near, a silent but interested spectator. 

‘‘ Did you come second class, Lee? inquired 
Scott. 

Yes ; I had to or not come at all. Mr. Arm- 
strong had a spare berth in his room, and 
if he hadnT turned it over to me I shouldnT 
be here now. Everything on the boat was 
taken. ^ ’ 

‘‘ What made you go back to New York, 
Lee? asked John. 

I had to go.’^ 

<< Why didn’t you write us or telegraph us 
or let us know somehow what you were doing? ” 
demanded Scott reproachfully. ‘‘ You don’t 


THE ARRIVAL 


355 


know all the trouble youVe given us, to say 
nothing of our worry about you.’^ 

‘ Why didn’t I telegraph you ” repeated 
Lee slowly. 

‘‘ Yes; why didn’t you? ” 

‘ ‘ The best answer I can give is that I did tele- 
graph you. ’ ’ 

‘‘We never had but one message from you 
till we got your wireless.” 

“ What! ” 

“ That is the truth.” 

“ I sent you at least six, and I think there 
were really a dozen. Mr. Armstrong knows 
about that, ’ ’ Lee added, as he turned to the man 
for confirmation. 

“ I am sure that many were written,” ac- 
knowledged Armstrong. 

“ And sent us? ” demanded Larcum, turning 
abruptly upon the man. 

“You heard what he said,” replied Arm- 
strong quietly. 

Lee was staring first at his friends, and then 
at the man beside him. Apparently he was 
mystified by what he had just heard, and 
troubled as well. 

^ “Never mind all that now,” said Larcum 
I quickly. “ The train for London leaves in a 


356 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


few minutes and we must take it. You are go- 
ing there, aren^t you, Lee? ” 

Yes, if you say so. I have a ticket.’’ 

Well, get your baggage inspected by the 
customs officers and we’ll get a compartment to- 
gether. Scott, do you think you can stick to 
Lee this time? Eemember how he got away 
from us at Liverpool, and don’t let it happen 
again! Lee has a way of disappearing, you 
understand, just at the time when the train 
starts. If you think you and Jack together can 
look after him. I’ll go to reserve a compart- 
ment.” 

Upon Scott’s declaration that he would not 
permit Lee to be out of his sight even for a 
minute,” Larcum hastened to the long train in 
the station, and as it was composed of only first- 
class carriages, soon secured and reserved what 
he desired. His feeling of uneasiness concern- 
ing Lee was so marked that he soon returned to 
the platform, and when a few minutes afterward 
he beheld the three boys approaching, he called 
to them, ‘‘ Here, fellows! I’ve got a compart- 
ment I Come this way. ’ ’ 

Conducting his friends to the room he had re- 
served, the young travelers beheld two bags in 
the seats there. 


THE ARRIVAL 


357 


‘‘ What does this mean, Larc? ’’ inquired 
Scott dryly. I thought you said you reserved 
a compartment for us.’’ 

I did. I don’t know whose these things 
are. Let’s put them out.” 

You can’t do that.” 

“ I can’t? You just watch me and see 
whether I can or not,” growled the young giant, 
as he grasped one of the heavy bags in each 
hand. 

‘ ‘ Hold on, Larc ! You must not do that ! It’s 
a rule in England that if a man leaves his coat 
or hat or bag in a seat then that seat is re- 
served for him. If the man appeals to the guard 
of the train he will be sustained, too.” 

‘ ‘ That ’s all right, ’ ’ laughed Larcum, as he re- 
placed the bags. If you had said in the first 
place that I ‘ must ’ not take out the bags that 
would have been one thing, but you said I 
‘ couldn ’t, ’ and that ’s another. ’ ’ 

Your wonderful use of English almost 
moves one to tears. ’ ’ 

Speaking of tears,” broke in Lee, makes 
me think of something they said occurred on 
shipboard. There was a fussy little old lady 
who tormented the captain every time he ap- 
peared on deck, by rushing up to him and asking 


358 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


him to point out a whale. She seemed to think 
he could do it on order. But somehow no whale 
showed up, and at last the captain asked his tor- 
mentor why she was so anxious to see a whale. 

‘ ‘ ‘ Oh, ’ she said, ‘ it must be such an interest- 
ing sight to see whales when they are weeping. ’ 

‘ ^ ‘ Madam, ’ said the captain in astonishment, 
^ what do you mean? Whales do not cry.^ 

‘ Ever since I was a little girl,^ said the old 
lady quite spunky, ‘ I have heard that whales 
blubber, and I want to see the sight before we 
land.’ ” 

“ What did the captain say? ” laughed Scott. 

“ He didn’t say anything. He had important 
business on the bridge and had to leave at once. 
Here come our fellow-travelers,” he added in a 
low voice, as the three boys and the major gazed 
in surprise at the new-comers. 


CHAPTEE XXXII 


CONCLUSION 

Armstrong and his companion entered the 
compartment just as the train pulled away from 
the long platform. As there was but one vacant 
seat, Armstrong said smilingly, ‘‘We seem to 
have reserved places in the wrong car. ’ ^ 

“ We’ll crowd up and make room for you,” 
said Larcum quickly. “ Lee is going to tell us 
his sad, sweet story, and perhaps you will he 
interested. You’d better stay.” 

The boys made room for the two men, and 
then Larcum, turning to Lee, said, “Now begin 
at the beginning and tell us all about it.” 

“ What I can’t understand is why you didn’t 
receive my telegrams. I sent every one to the 
Metropole. That was where you were staying, 
wasn’t it? ” 

“ It was,” growled Larcum, glaring at the 
two men in the room. 

“ I can explain that,” suggested Armstrong. 
‘‘ The true explanation is that they were not 
359 


360 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


sent. It is not strange you did not receive 
them. ’ ’ 

<< Why didn’t you send them? ” demanded 
Larcum angrily. 

“ Perhaps, if you will permit Mr. Harris to 
tell his story, you will understand. If it doesn’t 
clear it up, then I will explain. ’ ’ 

‘‘ Go ahead, Lee! ” said Larcum settling back 
into his seat. 

‘ ‘ It is a strange mix-up, ’ ’ began Lee. ‘ ‘ When 
I lost you fellows in Liverpool, I didn’t 
know ” 

‘‘ You didn’t lose us; we lost you,” broke in 
Scott. “ It was my fault ” 

“ Scott, who is telling us this story, you or 
Lee ? ’ ’ interrupted Larcum. 

“ Lee, sir,” replied Scott. ‘‘I’ll keep still if 
you will, Larc.” 

“ Well,” resumed Lee, “ when I made for the 
train that went to Yorkshire I supposed, of 
course, I’d find you all on board. When I 
finally decided that I was alone and that you 
had failed me, at first I did not just know what 
to do. I couldn’t get off the train so I concluded 
to stay on ” 

“A wise man! ‘A Daniel come to judg- 
ment,’ ” murmured John. 


CONCLUSION 


361 


That’s all right,” acknowlelged Lee lightly. 
“ But I found Armstrong was on the train — it 
seems he was following me all the time — even 
from the dock in New York from which our 
steamer sailed. He was under orders not to 
lose sight of me, and he didn’t.” The smile 
with which Armstrong received the announce- 
ment was exceedingly irritating to Larcum, but 
the young giant restrained his impulse to de- 
mand an explanation, and turned again eagerly 
to his friend. 

The way of it was like this,” resumed Lee. 

Armstrong was acting under the orders of a 
prominent coal company in Yorkshire, which 
had been having trouble for two years with a 
firm of London lawyers, who claimed that the 
title to some of the coal lands the company was 
working was defective. They threatened to 
bring suit for somebody in America unless they 
were bought off. Of course the company re- 
fused to have anything to do with such a firm, 
but they were more or less uneasy, for they knew 
a good deal of trouble might be made for them. 

They were troubled still mere when they 
received word from parties with whom they 
were in correspondence in New York, that I was 
about to sail for England to press a claim for 


362 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


some of the coal lands in Yorkshire. I didn’t 
dream I was of so much importance,” laughed 
Lee. 

‘ ^ Go on with your story, ’ ’ said Larcum dryly. 

The coal company in Yorkshire, perhaps 
not unnaturally, concluded that I was after their 
property. They did not intend to be caught 
napping, so they put a man on my track. Well, 
although Armstrong knew so much more than I 
thought he did,” laughed Lee, as he glanced at 
the man opposite him, ‘ ^ and knew so much more 
that wasn’t so, in my innocence I told him a 
good deal more on the train. I hadn’t had very 
much to say to him while we were on board the 
steamer, but he got me started on the train. I 
was glad to find some one I knew. He offered 
to send a telegram ” 

‘‘We got that,” said Larcum. 

“ Yes, I know you did; but after Armstrong 
heard my story of the income due from the coal 
lands, and asked me just where the coal was lo- 
cated, he at once concluded I was the one he was 
after. He wasn’t even satisfied with my inno- 
cent appearance, but made up his mind that I 
was plotting with that firm that had tried to 
blackmail the company. If I was the villain 
that he thought I was, why, he knew he must 


CONCLUSION 


363 


meet me on my own ground, so he began to 
meet my dire plots with some fine work of his 
own. He was satisfied that I had some accom- 
plices, and that Larcum here was the arch 
traitor of us all. ’ ’ 

Humph! ’’ ejaculated Larcum, as his 
friends laughed and a smile appeared on Arm- 
strong’s face. 

It all goes to prove that a little learning is 
a dangerous thing. If Armstrong had known 
just a little more he’d have had just what makes 

the difference between a wise man and a ” 

^ ^ Fool, ’ ’ suggested Armstrong, as Lee laugh- 
ingly hesitated. 

That’s your word, not mine,” declared Lee 
lightly. ^ ‘ When he found where my claim was 
located it seemed to be the very one owned by 
his company, though, in fact, it really was an 
adjoining claim. Then he just knew he had run 
the rascal to cover, and I was the victim. Want 
any more? ” inquired Lee. It’s a long story, 
take it all together.” 

‘^More! More! Go on, Lee!” exclaimed 
Scott in mock excitement. 

Well, though I did not suspect it at the 
time, Armstrong kept me under strict watch. 
When I went to see the lawyers, they were his 


364 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


lawyers that I saw, and, of course, it was their 
side which was given me. I kept wondering 
why I didn’t hear from any of you, and didn’t 
even suspect that my telegrams had been held 
back. ’ ’ 

I met Mr. Armstrong in London,” sug- 
gested Larcum grimly, as he glanced at the man 
opposite him. Did he tell you about our 
meeting, Lee? ” 

No, I did not refer to it,” replied Arm- 
strong quickly, an expression at once comical 
and despairing appearing on his face as he 
spoke. ‘‘ I did not know whether or not I’d 
ever get away from you alive. ’ ’ 

“ What were you doing in London if you 
were following Lee? ” asked Larcum. 

That was a part of his wicked scheme,” 
laughed Lee. He left me in charge of some 
of his friends, in Durham, while he went, as 
he said, to secure some papers in London. By 
this time I was almost convinced that I was on 
a wild goose chase anyway. I had about 
decided that my father belonged to the 
innumerable caravan looking for riches in 
England on the advice of certain ‘ ambulance 
chasers ’ ” 

‘‘ What are they? ” interrupted John. 


CONCLUSION 


365 


Don^t you know what they are? ’’ laughed 
Lee. Why, when there is an accident on the 
railroad, or trolleys, or almost anywhere, there 
are a good many lawyers who follow up the in- 
jured parties otfering to bring a suit for dam- 
ages against the company, and they offer to 
take the case on a percentage. Well, it was 
something like that I came to believe was what 
the lawyers who wrote my father were doing. I 
had a talk with the supposed owners of the 
property, and they made it perfectly plain to 
me that there was nothing in my claim. When 
Armstrong came back from London and 
brought me certain statements and affidavits 
from there, I didn’t have much hope left.” 

‘‘ Wliat did you do then, Lee? ” inquired 
John. 

I cabled my father.” 

Did he agree with you? ” 

He did not,” replied Lee drolly, and his 
companions all laughed. 

No; my father did not appear to be im- 
pressed at all,” continued Lee, and the worst 
of it was that he cabled me to start for home, 
instanter. I didn’t have any time^ — I could just 
catch a steamer sailing that day from Liverpool. 
When my father cables me in the tone of voice 


366 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


he used then I knew that there wasn’t anything 
more to he done. I just started.” 

And Armstrong went, too? ” asked Lar- 
cum. 

‘ ‘ He did, ’ ’ replied Lee, glancing drolly at the 
man as he spoke. 

Weren’t you surprised when you found him 
on board? ” 

I was that — at least when I first saw him. 
Then I began to suspect that all was not gold 
that glittered. I had my papers all with me, 
and I put them in the care of the purser without 
waiting a minute. I didn ’t let Armstrong know 
that I had become suspicious of him, but I kept 
my eyes open then and my mouth shut. At last, 
when we came in sight of the lightship otf Nan- 
tucket and I knew we would land next day in 
New York, I had a square talk with him. He 
acknowledged that all I said or pretty much all 
was true. He told me about the tricks the 
shrewd lawyers were all the time trying to play, 
and how sorry he felt for their many deluded 
victims. 

Well, when we docked in New York the first 
man I saw on the pier was my father. He had 
come all the way up North just to meet me. My ! 
he’s a good man, my father is,” laughed Lee. 


CONCLUSION 


367 


Yes; but why in the world did Armstrong 
go back to New York with you? ’’ demanded 
Larcum. ^ ^ If all you say is true, then I should 
think he would have been satisfied when he 
found he had driven you out of the country. 
What more did he want? 

Oh, he wanted to be sure I was gone and 
would not return. He had a very plausible rea- 
son to give for his taking the trip, though IVe 
forgotten just what it was. But when we landed 
he came right up to my father and me, and 
when I introduced him he said a few things and 
my father invited him to come with us to our 
hotel. We spent three hours there together 
going over the papers, the maps, and all, and 
then what do you think happened? 

‘‘ I can’t give a guess,” declared Larcum. 

You certainly did not do him any bodily harm 
if one can judge from appearances.” 

No, we didn’t do that; but we found when 
we went over all the papers together that there 
had been a mistake. ’ ’ 

What was it? ” 

Why, that our claim wasn’t against Arm- 
strong’s company at all. It was a claim against 
an adjoining property, and there wasn’t any 
question about it. The whole thing was taken 


368 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


for granted, and the part of the income from 
the mines that was due us was all ready to be 
paid/’ 

Wasn’t your father glad then that he had 
such a smart little boy? ” laughed Scott. 

‘‘ My, he must have felt proud! ” remarked 
Larcum. 

He isn’t that kind,” said Lee warmly. 

He said he had sent me instead of coming 
himself just because he wanted me to have the 
experience ’ ’ 

You certainly had it,” broke in Scott. 

Too bad he didn’t have all your experience 
to help him, Scott,” retorted Larcum, quick to 
defend his friend, however free he himself might 
feel to abuse him. 

That’s sufficient. I’ll say no more,” re- 
plied Scott humbly. 

‘‘ And now your claim is all good, is it, Lee? ” 
inquired Larcum. 

That is what Armstrong says.” 

‘‘ It is not only good, but it has been allowed, 
and the money is deposited subject to draft by 
Mr. Lee or his son,” answered Armstrong. 

Why did you come back, Lee? ” asked 
John. 

‘ ‘ I wanted to ; my father wanted me to ; Arm- 


CONCLUSION 


369 


strong was quite insistent, even offering to 
share half his second cabin with me, and I had a 
feeling, somehow, that you fellows would he glad 
to see me. We have a month or more still to 
use, you know.’^ 

Will you solemnly promise us not to go near 
another coal mine? ’’ 

I will — ^with pleasure,^’ Lee answered 
warmly. 

‘‘ And will you keep away from the Good- 
mans, too? 

‘‘ Where are they? asked Lee quickly. 

Down in Devon. We were thinking of join- 
ing them there after we had located you some- 
where. ’ ’ 

Idl he ready just as soon as you are.^’ 

Don’t you have to go up to Yorkshire 
again? ” 

No; everything can he settled in London.” 

I don’t see how. You are only an ‘ infant.’ 
You can’t sign any papers.” 

I can sign them easily enough,” responded 
Lee with a laugh ; ‘ ‘ but what the signature will 
be worth is for others to decide.” 

He has his father’s signature,” sug- 
gested Armstrong. The papers are all 
right.” 


370 FOUR BOYS AND A FORTUNE 


Why are you so eager to go into Devon? ’’ 
inquired Lee of his friends. 

tell you/’ replied John quickly. That 
is the King Arthur county, you know. Then 
we’ll see the wild coast the artists love; we’ll 
visit Plymouth where the Pilgrim Fathers 
sailed; we’ll inspect the tin and copper mines 
that run three miles right out under the sea; 

we’ll ride across the moors and we’ll ” 

‘‘ See the Goodmans — that’s what Jack 
means, ’ ’ interrupted Scott with a laugh. ‘ ‘ He ’s 
greatly interested in England, you know; hut 
there’s one thing even more interesting to him 
than that,” he added quizzically. 

“ What? ” asked Lee. 

An American in England.” 


THE END 


FOR THE STARS AND STRIPES 

By EVERETT T. TOMLINSON 


First Volume of “War for the Union Series” 
Illustrated by Frank Vining Smith 
12mo Cloth $1.50 

“^HIS story is based on true happenings, 
and the thread of it is the escape of a 
young Union soldier from a Southern prison. 
Graphically told incidents, true to fact, crowd 
each other. There are guerillas, prisons, 
campaigns, negroes, friends and enemies, 
loyal men and others, all parts of the tale. 
Above all, the book is interesting as well as 
intrinsically valuable, and the keynote to the 
series will be loyalty to a re-united country, 
in which sentiment those of all sections can 
heartily join. 

“ It is well written and valuable, as the work of this talented author may be 
expected to be.” — Herald and Presbyter. 

” Dr. Tomlinson is one of the most popular writers for boys, and this story 
is in his best vein.” — Sa7i Francisco Chronicle. 

“There are enough exciting events to suit the average live boy, and there 
is the advantage of a background of reality and a lesson in history.” — Brooklyn 
Eagle. 

“The author has a felicitous way of reaching and holding the boyish mind 
and heart with his excellent stories with historical backgrounds.” — Chicago 
News. 



For sale by all booksellers^ or sent postpaid on receipt of 
price by the publishers 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston 



Our Own Land Series 

By EVBRBTT T. TOMLINSON 

Illustrated Cloth, i2mo $1.50 each 


FOUR BOYS IN THE YELLOWSTONE 

T 7 *OUR boy friends who chance to represent respectively the northern, 
southern, eastern, and western sections of our country, join in a trip up 
the Great Lakes to Duluth, where they take a private car furnished by the 
father of one of them and go on to the world-famous Yellowtsone Park, 
in which they have an abundance of adventure and enjoyment. The 
spirited illustrations by Mr. Edwards are worthy of special mention. 

“The book has a decided value in awakening in young Americans an interest 
in some of the marvels of their own land .” — The Interior^ Chicago. 

FOUR BOYS IN THE LAND OF COTTON 

"^HE four boys spend their next long vaca- 
tion in a southern tour, which begins in 
Virginia, thence to the Mississippi river, and 
on through Arkansas to Indian Territory. 

They come to appreciate their own country by 
seeing it, and learn history by visiting historic 
places. Above all, they have a good time, 
and so will every one who reads this book. 

“The next best thing to visiting these places 
yourself is to hear about them from Mr. Tomlin, 
son .” — Providence News. 


FOUR BOYS ON THE 

"^HE four friends of the previous volumes are in camp on the Arkansas 
River, and are so fascinated by good comradeship and interesting 
sights and experiences that they prolong their travelling by a most enviable 
trip on the mighty Mississippi. What they miss finding out or enjoying 
would not be worth mentioning. 

‘‘They are likable lads and the story of their holiday is a vastly entertaining and 
instructive one for boys .” — Chicago Daily News. 



MISSISSIPPI 


For sale by all booksellers or seat postpaid on receipt of 
price by the publishers 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON 


BOOKS BY F.VERETT T. TOMLINSON. 


THE WAR OF 1812 SERIES 

Six volumes Cloth Illastrated by A. E 
Shute Price per volume reduced to $1.25 

No American writer for boys has ever occupied 
a higher position than Dr. Tomlinson, and the 
“War of 1812 Series” covers a field attempted 
by no other juvenile literature in a manner that 
has secured continued popularity. 

The Search for Andrew Field 
The Boy Soldiers of 1812 
The Boy Officers of 1812 
Tecumseh’s Young Braveo 
Guarding the Border 
The Boys with Old Hickory 

ST. LAWRENCE SERIES 

CRUISING IN THE ST. LAWRENCE 

Being the third volume of the <*St. Lawrence Series ” doth 
Illustrated Price $1.50 

Our old friends, “Bob,” “Ben,” “Jock,” and “Bert,” having completed 
their sophomore year at college, plan to spend the summer vacation cruising 
on the noble St. Lawrence. Here they not only visit places of historic inter- 
est, but also the Indian tribes encamped on the banks of the river, and iearr 
from them thek customs, habits, and quaint legends. 

IHIBVIOUS VOLUMES 

CAMPING 6 N the ST. LAWRENCE 

Or, On the Trail of the Early Discovers 
Cloth Illustrated $1.50 

niE HOUSE-BOAT ON THE ST. LAWRENCE 
Or, Following Frontenae 
Oloth Illustrated $1.50 

BY me SAME AUTHOR 

STORIES OP THE AMERICAN REVOLirilOlS 
Fint and Second Series Cloth Illustrated ^1,00 each 



Lothrop, Lee &. Shepard Co.. Boston 


THE 

BOY WITH THE U. S. SURVEY 

By FRANCIS ROLT-WHEELER 

First Volume of <‘U. S. Service Series” Illustrations 
from photographs taken in work for 
U. S. Government 

Large 12mo Cloth $1.50 

^T^HIS is the first of a series of boys’ books 
^ along entirely new lines. Appealing 
to the boy’s love of excitement, this series 
gives actual experiences in the different 
branches of United States government work 
little known to the general public. This 
story describes the thrilling adventures of 
members of the U. S. Geological Survey, 
graphically woven into a stirring narrative 
that both pleases and instructs. The author 
enjoys an intimate acquaintance with the 
chiefs of the various bureaus in Washington, 
and is able to obtain at first hand the ma- 
terial for the books, and the finished manu- 
script is submitted to the chief of the bureau 
for final approval to ensure accuracy of statement. While the United 
States bureaus are not allowed to give their official endorsement to 
books, yet they are all eager to afford every facility to the author to 
take up their branch next. These are the very books that will develop 
boys into well-informed and valuable citizens of these United States, 
alive to the needs of conservation of the vast resources and energies of 
their country. 

“There is abundant charm and vigor in the narrative which is sure to 
please the boy readers and will do much toward stimulating their patriotism by 
making them alive to the needs of conservation of the vast resources of their 
country.” — Chicago News, 

‘ ‘This is a book one can heartily recommend for boys, and it has life enough 
to suit the most eager of them.” — Christian Register ^ Boston. 

“You have made the stories much more interesting than the bare recital of 
facts by our field men.” — Geo. Otis Smith, Director U. S. Geological Survey. 

“You have faithfully portrayed many of the aspects of our field work.” — 
Alfred H, Brooks, Chief, Alaskan Division U. S. Geological Survey. 


For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 
price by the publishers 

LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Boston 







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